HL Deb 15 June 1965 vol 267 cc1-3

2.40 p.m.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will introduce legislation to make direction indicators obligatory on all motor vehicles.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, most four-wheeled vehicles are now fitted with some form of direction indicator. New standdards have been set by Regulations for indicators fitted to vehicles first registered after next August. We shall consider compulsory fitment when the effectiveness of these standards has been confirmed.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply and appreciating the need for these Regulations, may I ask whether he would agree that so long as all vehicles are not compelled to be fitted with direction indicators there is increasing danger of accidents as traffic increases? Might I ask the noble Lord to ask his right honourable friend to consider whether, as a first step, it would be proper to make it obligatory for all vehicles using motorways to be fitted with traffic indicators?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, as these Regulations apply to both private cars and commercial vehicles I think it would be difficult to discriminate between vehicles purchased prior and subsequent to next August on motorways, particularly as motorways and transport have a great effect upon the export trade of this country.

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether in fact the standards are flashing lights and not indicators?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, as the noble Earl appreciates, the Regulations have been agreed upon internationally. They also have been agreed upon with the motor manufacturers and they cover the number of lights, the type, the colour, the size and the position from which the light is visible. At the moment they do not cover the question of intensity of light, but we hope that will be the next step, and that it will also include the question of dual intensity, day and night.

LORD SOMERS

My Lords, would the noble Lord agree that it is in the case of commercial vehicles, particularly large ones, which make it difficult for the driver behind to see ahead, that the provision of indicators should be made compulsory?

LORD LINDGREN

Yes, my Lords; and, of course, after September 1 next they will be compulsory for new vehicles.