HC Deb 19 June 1968 vol 766 cc1078-9
30. Mr. Howie

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to amend the Road Vehicles Lighting (Standing Vehicles) (Exemption) (General) Regulations, 1956, to permit the use of a hurricane lamp, placed on the ground, as a parking light.

Mr. Bob Brown

No, Sir. We do not think that this would be as safe as the present requirements.

Mr. Howie

I find that reply slightly disappointing but not unexpected. Is it not the case that hurricane lamps are so used in certain parts of London and, in any case, fairly widely used by contractors digging holes in the road and leaving various kinds of obstruction? Will my hon. Friend undertake to look into this matter again?

Mr. Brown

It is true that some people are using hurricane lamps as parking lights in defiance of the law, but if road works are marked by hurricane lamps that is an entirely different thing, because no source of power is available.

Mr. Webster

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is serious danger if hurricane lamps are used at skips used for collecting refuse and that when they are removed, the skips constitute a great danger to motorists? What is being done about that?

Mr. Brown

That is another matter, but it is worth considering and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall do so.