§ 13. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will initiate discussions with motoring and driving organisations and associations to improve and up-date the road sense and standard of driving of all those who hold driving licences, and to devise means of rewarding a good driving record by reduced insurance premiums and other bonuses.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)We maintain continuous contact with motoring organisations for such purposes as those mentioned by my hon. Friend, but I see no grounds for intervening in matters of commercial motor insurance practice.
§ Mr. OsbornWith regard to road safety, will the Minister not only consult but give further encouragement to the motoring organisations, especially the Institute of Advanced Motorists, which can do much to promote road safety? On the question of insurance, is it not time that greater emphasis was put on the driver and his safety record, rather than on the vehicle? Too many drivers are not affected by the absence of a no-claim bonus because it falls on their employers or the fleet owners and not the drivers.
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir. I take note of all that my hon. Friend has said. On the general matter of road safety, he will know that my hon. Friend has taken two important initiatives—the Green Cross Code and the intensive seat belt 1715 campaign in the North-East. Both have already produced a welcome diminution in road casualties.