HL Deb 07 May 1974 vol 351 cc362-5
LORD KINGS NORTON

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, as the jack-knifing of articulated vehicles is one of the major causes of road accidents in difficult driving conditions, they will consider introducing legislation to make compulsory the incorporation in such vehicles of existing devices which prevent it.

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, the Department of the Environment are in fact conducting field trials of certain anti-jack-knifing devices and it is therefore premature to consider legislation. The noble Lord and the House may like to know some details. Out of a total of 17,847 goods vehicles over 3 tons unladen weight involved in injury accidents in 1973, 443 were reported as having jack-knifed. In the same year involvements in the wet or on snow or ice were 7,381, and of that figure 336 involved jack-knifing in the weight category to which I have referred.

LORD KINGS NORTON

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that in a number of cases on motorways recently most serious pile-up accidents have been initiated by the jack-knifing of heavy vehicles, which are prevalent on motorways? Is the noble Lord further aware that as long ago as 1970 Report No. 3 of the Road Research Laboratory gave the results of tests made on a variety of slippery surfaces, which showed that whereas jack-knifing occurred when no sensor was fitted, even the most severe potential jack-knifing was avoided when the apparatus was fitted? Also, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that it is possible to fit an anti-jack-knifing device at a cost which would be recovered over a period of two or three years by a reduction in the insurance premium? Finally, may I ask whether, in these circumstances, a potentially dangerous vehicle should not be forced to become a potentially safe one?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I think the House will appreciate that the noble Lord has asked quite a number of questions and perhaps I should reply in this way. The Department are aware of what has been happening, but before they prepare legislation they want to be very sure that it will meet the situation.

LORD POPPLEWELL

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, through studying this legislation, far too long a time has elapsed, although there are these known safety devices that can operate? Is it not time that the noble Lord had another word with his right honourable friend, with a view to imposing regulations to embrace these safety devices? When jack-knifing takes place it can cause very serious accidents indeed, and this is something to which we in Parliament should pay much more attention than we are doing at present.

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I am sure that the comments of my noble friend will be noted by my right honourable friend. But I should say that studies are not yet complete. This is a very considerable problem and it is thought necessary that the studies should be completed before any decision on legislation is taken.

LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORD

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that although only 443 out of the 17,000 accidents involving heavy vehicles to which he referred were due to jack-knifing, that number of serious accidents would be well worth avoiding? Will the noble Lord therefore again apply his mind, and that of his Department, to this matter as being one of real urgency?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, no one doubts that the number of accidents is a very serious factor. So far as Her Majesty's Government are concerned, they are anxious to deal with this matter as expeditiously as possible. Anything that can be done to save life will be done by this Government, but in anticipating legislation great care must be taken to ensure that when it comes into force it is sound legislation.

LORD PARGITER

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the term "jackknifing" is a technical one which implies the virtual doubling-up of a vehicle, and that many articulated vehicles are involved in accidents which do not necessarily involve this doubling-up? May I ask my noble friend whether this matter can be looked at in conjunction with the statistics that have been provided?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I am sure that what my noble friend has said will be looked at. But I am satisfied that the Department are already aware of all the aspects of this question.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether there is any legislation in other countries in the Common Market, or whether there is any model which we might follow without long delay?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

If the noble Lord would like to put down a Question, I should be glad to attempt to answer it. I cannot do so this afternoon.

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, the great worry about jackknifing is that one of the major causes of accidents to personnel is the construction of the driver's cab. The cab itself is not strong enough when the load behind it moves forward during jack-knifing. This is something which I should like looked at. Are there any plans for this?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, having himself so recently been in the Department of the Environment, the noble Lord will appreciate that the Department will certainly look at any idea that he is able to put forward.

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, in view of the interest which has been shown in this Question—with which I am sure the Department are thoroughly familiar—will the noble Lord please take a personal interest in it, pursue the matter and communicate the views of those who have spoken in this exchange?

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I should be very pleased to give the noble Lord the Loader of the Opposition that assurance.

LORD KINGS NORTON

My Lords, may I finally ask whether the Government are aware that in the past day or two there has been an announcement from the Dunlop and Esso companies, to the effect that the whole of the oil tanker fleet of Esso is to have fitted the Dunlop device to prevent jack-knifing? Will he agree that this is a relevant point to take into account? That company would not have made this decision without very good reason.

LORD GARNSWORTHY

My Lords, I am sure it is a point which needs to be borne in mind.