§ 26. Mr. Danceasked the Minister of Transport whether she will take steps to make it compulsory for some form of reflector to be used on the sides of 584 articulated lorries in view of the fact that when such vehicles make a sudden turn their rear lights are at right angles to the road and are then invisible.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe Working Party on Vehicle Lighting is studying ways of improving the lateral visibility of vehicles by requiring the use of side marker lamps or reflectors on shorter vehicles than those on which they are now required.
§ Mr. DanceBut is the hon. Gentleman again aware that this has gone on too long? Only the other day—he may be pleased to hear it—I was nearly written off, driving to my constituency, by nearly hitting the side of an articulated lorry which was veering to the left. Cannot something be done about this situation?
§ Mr. MorrisI should be very sorry if the hon. Member were written off. I would agree that suggestions for improvements have been made and it appears that side marker lamps are more effective. Tentative proposals have been made and the working party has decided that its members should now consult their respective organisations. I hope that a recommendation will reach the Minister shortly.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltAs the hon. Gentleman said in answer to Question No. 25 that this body last met in February and will next meet in May, is not the name "working" party rather strange?
§ Mr. MorrisWhat I said was that the working party saw a demonstration in February and that, in addition to the great deal of other work which the body is investigating, the matter mentioned in the last Question would be the first item on its agenda. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this body is considering many issues.