HC Deb 16 June 1965 vol 714 cc434-5
24. Sir R. Nugent

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he will take to enforce his arrangements to improve lane discipline.

Mr. Tom Fraser

I would refer the right hon. Member to my Answer to him on 5th May. I am not at present planning to introduce legislation for the enforcement of lane discipline.

Sir R. Nugent

But is the Minister aware that the response to his exhortations and propaganda has been very poor and that the general standard of lane discipline on our roads is dangerously low? Will he consider legislation on the lines of that introduced by some countries abroad, for instance, the mandatory use of trafficators for vehicles pulling out of one lane into another, or, as is found in America, the statutory obligation on a vehicle pulling out to avoid interference with the vehicles in the next lane? Will he consider legislative action in order to achieve a higher standard, which will reduce accidents and improve traffic flow?

Mr. Fraser

It is a fact that lane discipline is not well observed in this country at present. This is why a leaflet, giving more guidance on this, is being issued, as I stated in the reply which I gave on 5th May. The Highway Code also gives some advice in the matter. I do not rule out the possibility of legislation, but I do not want to promise that it will be introduced at an early date. It is the sort of matter on which I had better have the advice of the recently constituted National Advisory Council on Road Safety.

Mr. Lipton

If the combined effect of the Highway Code and this new leaflet is not satisfactory, will the Minister then consider, as an urgent matter, the introduction of legislation, because lane discipline in this country is in a shocking state?

Mr. Fraser

It is in a bad state and I have stated the circumstances in which I would consider legislation, but we have also to consider whether such legislation—if we had it—would improve lane discipline. There are some difficulties in defining the offence with precision, as is within the knowledge of other countries where legislation has been introduced. It is already an offence to drive dangerously or without due care and attention, and sloppy sliding from one lane to another can be prosecuted as dangerous or careless driving. I have said that I will have this matter taken into account.