Lorries (Overhanging Loads)

HC Deb 28 April 1965 vol 711 cc438-40

40. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the lighting requirements at the rear of overhanging loads on lorries are adequate; and whether he will introduce regulations to provide for standard and clearly visible markings on lorries carrying such loads.

Mr. Swingler

We are satisfied with the existing regulations, which provide for an additional red lamp to be carried near the back of any load which projects more than 3½ft. to the rear. Where the projection exceeds 10 ft. marker boards must be fixed near the end of the load and lit during darkness.

Sir A. Meyer

Is the Minister satisfied that mud-encrusted "glow worms" which normally constitute such lights are sufficient warning? Is he aware that a constituent of mine was killed recently by a large overhanging load marked by a very dirty piece of red cloth which was not clearly visible 10 yards away?

Mr. Swingler

There is little that can be done by issuing regulations. There is the problem of enforcement: we are not satisfied about the enforcement of the regulations or that people exercise a proper degree of commonsense in this matter. We therefore hope that all citizens will co-operate in seeing that these regulations are properly enforced for, if they were, there would be a greater degree of safety.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the Minister please consider this matter again? One of the most dangerous things on the roads is a dead black vehicle on a dead black night when the so-called lamp is quite invisible. All kinds of people run into these loads, sometimes when the lorries are stationary. Would it not be possible to have luminous paint on the back of the lorries, or could they be painted white as is done in some parts of America? Could not some novel ways be adopted of making these loads visible to motorists and others? Even cyclists run into them because they cannot see them.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend has drawn attention to the fact that the regulations are not observed. If the lamp is not clearly visible and if the markers are not clearly visible that is an offence against the law. If we had a higher degree of enforcement of the law there would be a higher degree of safety.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Has the hon. Gentleman any statistics of the accidents which are caused through these lights being inefficient?

Mr. Swingler

I have statistics about accidents classified according to vehicles. If the hon. Member will put down a specific Question relating to this matter—I was not asked this—I shall endeavour to give him the information.

Mr. Powell

To what cause does the hon. Gentleman attribute the fact that these regulations are not being properly enforced?

Mr. Swingler

Unfortunately, I fear, there are many regulations in relation to traffic which are not widely enforced, partly because the police have to be concerned with so many other matters and very often they are undermanned. Also, perhaps we could have a higher standard of co-operation from citizens generally in drawing attention to breaches of the law. That would produce a higher standard of safety on the roads.