HC Deb 15 November 1967 vol 754 cc434-5
36. Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport if she will now relax the regulations which require vehicles to have lights switched on when parked on well-lit bus routes.

Mr. John Morris

We do not believe that such a relaxation would be in the interests of road safety.

Sir R. Russell

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that on well-lit bus routes with sodium lighting it is almost impossible not to see vehicles which are parked alongside the road? Is it not a complete waste of batteries?

Mr. Morris

One of the problems here is of defining what is "well-lit". Certain consultations have taken place, and the view of the police is that this would be unsafe.

Mr. George Jeger

Is my hon. Friend aware that the regulations differ from town to town and that strangers are prosecuted for not having lights on because they come from towns where that is permitted? Could the Minister not issue some advice or assistance to all areas so as to standardise the regulations?

Mr. Morris

This is a very real difficulty. For example, the practice in London is different from that in other parts of the country. This stems from the different lighting in various parts of the country. At the end of the day, however, safety must be paramount, and this is left to the police.