§ 17. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to make the fitting of wing mirrors on new vehicles compulsory.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir; vehicles which afford the driver sufficient field of view to both sides and have an effective internal mirror do not need to be fitted with wing mirrors. A quick glance before turning is safer than relying upon what they may show.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that a great number of accidents are caused when vehicles pull out from a parked position and it is impossible to see through a rear mirror whether the road is clear and to maintain a view when one is coming out on to the road?
§ Mr. MarplesThat is covered by the Highway Code which says:
Before you move off, look round, even though you may have looked in your mirror, to see that no one is about to overtake you.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that a pedestrian may dodge out from behind a car and danger can arise from that kind of thing, and that a driver cannot cover such an eventuality by the use of the rear mirror alone?
§ Mr. MarplesWing mirrors can be interfered with. If one leaves a car parked, it is possible to return and find that the mirrors have been moved out of focus.