§ 32. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has of the number of accidents caused by mud being thrown on to windscreens by heavy commercial vehicles, thus obscuring the drivers' visibility; and what proposals he has to help overcome this safety hazard.
Mr. Bob BrownInvestigations have shown that the fitting of efficient windscreen wipers and washers is the only effective way of dealing with the hazard 969 of mud thrown up by other vehicles. Regulations have been made requiring most new vehicles to be fitted with windscreen washers as from 1st October, 1969, and for older vehicles to have them by 1st October, 1972.
§ Mr. SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this hazard is particularly serious in wet weather on motorways, and that even with the help of windscreen washers it is impossible to keep windscreens clear when following heavy vehicles? Does he not think that there is a good case for fixing mud flaps to all heavy vehicles?
Mr. BrownThere is a danger in this but as a result of all the research which we have conducted we feel that efficient windscreen wipers—I emphasise "efficient"—are the best method, because apart from the spray which is thrown up directly behind the wheels of a heavy lorry, a great deal of sidespray is drawn into the vacuum behind the vehicle.