HC Deb 26 January 1972 vol 829 cc1385-6
30. Mr. Montgomery

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of collisions with standard lamp columns has resulted in fatal and serious accidents to car users and passengers in each of the last three years.

Mr. Peyton

It is not possible to answer this Question in these terms. But of the accidents which resulted in personal injury, the percentages which resulted in serious or fatal injury were in 1971, 45 per cent.; in 1970, 41 per cent.; and in 1969, 46 per cent.

Mr. Montgomery

In view of the number of bad accidents caused by cars crashing into standard lamp columns, will my right hon Friend consider issuing a circular to local authorities asking them whether they would consider the use of breakaway lamp standards, in the hope that this will help road safety?

Mr. Peyton

Yes, Sir. Breakaway lamp standards are already under fairly active consideration and test. When any useful information is available I will consider circulating it to local authorities.