HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc562-3
5. Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce regulations to ensure that private cars are provided with a means of keeping clear their rear windows, so that inside driving mirrors are of greater assistance to drivers in observing overtaking traffic.

Mr. Bob Brown

The United Kingdom is participating in discussions on this in the Economic Commission for Europe. My right hon. Friend will make a decision in the light of the outcome of these discussions.

Mr. Wilson

But I hope that something can be done about this soon. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the most vulnerable parts of a car are the side panels, and that many fatal accidents result from a car pulling out and being struck a glancing blow by an overtaking car? Surely something can be done to prevent such accidents by insisting on provisions for clearing the back window of a car, so that the inside mirror can be of some use?

Mr. Brown

It is true that rear vision for the driver is essential, but this can already be achieved in a variety of ways. We do not consider that this is a matter of such urgency that we need to anticipate international action. We shall consider it again in the light of possible international regulations.