HC Deb 15 May 1957 vol 570 cc401-2
53. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many road accidents through dogs on roads have occurred in each of the last six months; how many people have been fined for permitting a dog to stray on roads designated under the Road Traffic Act; and whether he will consider inserting prominent notices on such designated roads instructing people that dogs must be kept on a lead.

Mr. Nugent

The number of road accidents involving personal injury, attributed by the police to dogs, in each month beginning October last, was 245, 222, 200, 179, 163 and 215, respectively.

No order has yet been made naming a road on which dogs must be kept on a lead, but a number of orders have now been submitted to my right hon. Friend for confirmation. In considering them we shall wish to know what plans local authorities have for providing suitable notices.

Mr. Janner

As there have been as many as 2,600 accidents due to dogs being on the roadways and about 70,000 dogs have been killed on the roads, will the Minister see that something is done in this matter fairly speedily, and that instead of areas being designated without people knowing, he will ensure that the proper signs are put up?

Mr. Nugent

As I have said, that is one of the aspects that we are examining whilst we have these orders under consideration. We hope to complete our consideration Shortly, and my right hon. Friend will then announce his intention with regard to these orders.

Mr. Ede

During the months when there was a substantial fall in the number of these accidents, was the reduction due to the decreased number of dogs or to the decreased number of motors on the roads?

Mr. Nugent

I am not able to speculate.

Mr. J. Hynd

As most of these accidents are caused not merely by dogs not being on leads but by dogs having nobody accompanying them, does not the Minister agree that it is a matter not merely of ensuring that dogs are on leads, but of ensuring that stray dogs do not wander about without someone in charge of them?

Mr. Nugent

That is one of the many difficulties in making orders of this kind.