HL Deb 30 June 1965 vol 267 cc853-4

2.49 p.m.

EARL FORTESCUE

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the danger caused by spray, more particularly on motorways, they will consider the desirability of compelling all manufacturers or owners to fit mudflaps of suitable size to the back wheels of all vehicles.]

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, an investigation by the Road Research Laboratory has shown that improved mudguards and mudflaps can reduce spray behind commercial vehicles, but would be of little benefit in the case of private motor cars, particularly when travelling at speed. We do not, therefore, propose to make the use of mudflaps generally compulsory, but we are seeking the co-operation of the motor industry in securing improvements in commercial vehicles.

EARL FORTESCUE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. Is he aware that on a wet day on a motor road forward visibility is only about 50 yards, whereas natural visibility is about one mile.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, would the noble Lord accept from me the suggestion that the cure for this acute problem is not in the design of the motor vehicle? The point is—and I think he will appreciate this; I hope he will—the slowness with which surface water is drained off these highways and the increasing speed of motor vehicles. How he can overcome that is one of the headaches his Department is going to have in the future.

LORD LINDGREN

I entirely agree. Road drainage is one of the problems, as also are the tread of the tyres and the speed of the vehicle. I would also say that side spray is perhaps a greater interference to the following vehicle than spray thrown up behind.

LORD SOMERS

My Lords, in view of the fact that some mudflaps are of extraordinarily antiquated size and design, can the noble Lord say whether the Minister would consider laying down regulations as to their size and design in the future?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, we are in discussion with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. A Road Research Laboratory report was submitted to them in January and we have had an interim reply from them. Again, to be frank, they are not falling over themselves with enthusiasm, but I think we shall get their co-operation in improving the design of vehicles and guards for vehicles.