HC Deb 04 July 1956 vol 555 cc1318-9
36. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what traffic has precedence, under his regulations, at a roundabout where two main roads intersect; and if he will arrange for appropriate signs to indicate this.

Mr. Molson

In accordance with the advice of the Departmental Committee on Road Safety, no rule of precedence has been laid down for traffic at roundabouts. The existence of roundabouts is clearly indicated by traffic signs, and drivers must exercise proper judgment when approaching and using them.

Mr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the usual practice at roundabouts seems to be a system of "devil take the hindmost," and would it not be helpful if signs were put up to mark quite clearly which line of traffic has precedence?

Mr. Molson

I am afraid that that would be impracticable. The only form it could take would be to indicate which road was to have priority, and that would not be practicable, because drivers approaching the roundabout would be unable to recognise which vehicles were entitled to that priority.

Mr. Isaacs

Is the Minister not aware that in other countries this matter is easily settled simply by saying that a driver gives way to the car on his right or his left? It would be a great help if such a rule were applied, because in this country the driver who gives way every time does so because it looks as if he is "going to get it." Why cannot we have the practice which works well in other countries?

Mr. Molson

I think that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the general rule that vehicles coming up on the right are to have priority. We have considered that, and we have come to the conclusion that it does not make for safety. A great many people are of the opinion that where that rule obtains, as in France, it adds to difficulty and danger and not to safety.

Mr. Isaacs

But has the right hon. Gentleman considered that it operates in Kenya, where I saw it myself, apart from other countries, and that there is not the slightest doubt that it makes for the safety and convenience of the motorist?

Mr. Molson

We have considered this matter; we even have some figures on the subject, and we are of the opinion that it would not be wise to adopt a rule for giving preference to vehicles coming up on a particular side.