24. Mrs. Butleasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many accidents involving standing vehicles without lights have been reported in the Metropolitan police area since the introduction of the Road Vehicles Lighting (Standing Vehicles) (Exemption) (London) Regulations, on 21st September, 1955 and whether he will make a statement on the working of these Regulations.
§ Mr. WatkinsonBetween 22nd September, 1955, and 31st March, 1956, in the Metropolitan Police area there were 133 personal injury accidents involving unlighted standing vehicles of classes within the scope of the Regulations. In addition, 22 such accidents were reported in which vehicles of other classes were involved, making a total of 155. Figures are not available in respect of accidents in which damage was caused only to property. During the same period in the same area the total number of casualties during the hours of darkness was 11,754 arising from approximately 9,500 accidents.
As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Regulations have been generally welcomed and are working smoothly.
Mrs. ButlerWhile welcoming that reply and the small number of accidents which have taken place, and while appreciating that these Regulations have brought car parking at night into some form of order, may I ask the Minister if he does not consider that the distance of 25 yards from a street lamp within which cars are permitted to park without lights is too great for safety, particularly in roads where the street lighting is very poor?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat is an important point and the Road Safety Committee of my Ministry is looking into it. These Regulations have really not been working quite long enough for us to form a definite view about it, but, if the view is taken that the present distance is dangerous, there is no reason why it should not be altered.