HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc365-6
12. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if his attention has been drawn, in the interests of road safety, to the need for large lorries and other vehicles of abnormal length to carry lights at the side; and if he will have this proposal examined.

Mr. Nugent

As I stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell) on 17th December last, we are already considering the introduction of regulations to require vehicles and combinations of vehicles exceeding a specified length to carry additional lights at the side. We shall circulate proposals to interested organisations for comment in the near future.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my hon. Friend aware that a separate sidelight might be very valuable at night, because it is possible for a long vehicle to approach an intersection and to be invisible for some seconds to traffic coming another direction?

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that there was a terribly serious accident from this very cause in Glasgow the other day when three people were burned to death in a tramcar because, owing to the fog, the driver could not see a lorry backing into a side entrance. The lorry was right across the road. The tramcar smashed into the lorry and the people were burned to death in it. Is not it desirable, where this operation is taking place, that there should be sidelights to warn other traffic?

Mr. Nugent

I am glad to hear of this support for what would be a useful safety measure.