§ 14. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what analysis has been made of the peak hours for road accidents; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NugentThe statistics issued monthly and annually by my Department show that the weekday peak hours for road accidents are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There are other peaks at the weekend, and certain hours are particularly dangerous for children.
§ Mr. ThomasAs these peak hours have been known to people for a very long time, does the Minister still feel justified in the Answer that he has given to my hon. Friend about the amount of money that is being spent on road safety warnings? These accidents are taking place at a time when people are going to and from their work on their bicycles. Can he give some advice to local authorities about street lighting in connection with this matter?
§ Mr. NugentI how that the hon. Member is concerned with street lighting hut, as he knows, I have no control over that problem. Street lighting is a vital aspect of improving road safety in the 5–7 p.m. period, and I hope that those concerned will take note of that fact.
§ Mr. IsaacsEs it not correct that in the case of motor vehicles there is an alarming jump in the number of casualties after 10 p.m.?
§ Mr. NugentThat is so.
§ 15. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the number of persons killed and injured, respectively, by road accidents in Wales since 1945.
§ Mr. NugentFrom 1945 to 1957 inclusive, 3,353 persons were killed and 120,305 injured in road accidents in Wales and Monmouthshire.