HC Deb 09 December 1969 vol 793 cc215-6
9. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Transport how many people were killed in road accidents involving articulated lorries during the first 10 months of 1969, compared with the comparable period of 1968; and what further action he will take to reduce these accidents.

Mr. Murray

211 people were killed in such accidents in the first eight months of 1969; figures for September and October are not yet available. Statistics for articulated vehicles were not collected in 1968. We are studying the new accident returns to see whether further action is required.

Mr. Lane

Whatever the statistics may be this year, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there has been an alarming increase in these accidents in the Cambridge area this year and that there is considerable public concern? Even if the Ministry is not prepared to legislate, could it not take more vigorous steps than it has so far to encourage the fitting of anti-jack-knifing devices to reassure the public?

Mr. Murray

Naturally, the Ministry is concerned about any road accidents. But it should be pointed out that not all the 211 deaths were the result of jackknifing, but just with articulated vehicles. The Government are conducting operational trials, in conjunction with British Road Services, on literally dozens of anti-jack-knifing devices.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the over-congested nature of our streets and roads, what inducements are given to these huge articulated lorries to travel overnight?

Mr. Murray

I do not know that we give any inducements.

Mr. Rankin

Then I think that the Ministry should.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that most accidents concerning these types of lorries take place on the M roads and that the speed at which they travel on the M roads is in excess of their braking power?

Mr. Murray

Obviously this has to be taken into consideration, but the fact that we are holding operational trials with many of these devices shows our concern in the matter. We must certainly consider all the devices being put into our hands for testing.