HL Deb 27 November 1974 vol 354 cc1397-8
LORD SWANSEA

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they approve of the displaying of advertising matter or slogans in reverse on the front of vehicles.

LORD MELCHETT

My Lords, there is no objection to the display of advertising matter in this way, provided that illuminated, reflective or flashing signs comply with Sections 70 and 71 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 and with the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations. I find it difficult to see why slogans written in mirror-writing should be a significantly greater road safety hazard than those written conventionally. There is certainly no evidence that this form of advertising has had any adverse effect on road casualties.

LORD SWANSEA

My Lords, would the noble Lord agree that such mirror-writing—being specifically designed to be read in the driving mirror—can be very distracting to the driver of the vehicle in front and can distract his attention from the road? Is the noble Lord further aware that I have twice seen on the M.4 a car with a sign in mirror-writing fixed to the windscreen which reads "Move over"? Does he consider that this is desirable?

LORD MELCHETT

My Lords, on the first point, there is concern about the distraction caused by flashing illuminated and reflective signs. There is no indication that slogans written in reverse constitute a road safety hazard. I am sure that if the noble Lord has any information the Government will be happy to consider it. At the moment there is no evidence that this matter is causing concern or that the practice is widespread. There are regulations which cover anything which could reduce the driver's vision, so if a sign on the windscreen of a car substantially affected the vision of the driver of that car then that would be in breach of the regulations.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, is my noble friend aware of the fact that this form of signwriting is completely daft? Is he further aware of the fact that when a motorist is approaching a car with this kind of signwriting, his attention is momentarily distracted from driving by his attempts to translate the reverse printing into ordinary script?

LORD MELCHETT

My Lords, the practice is not daft when used by ambulances and other emergency vehicles. It has been found very helpful in that context, and the practice will be continued. I agree with my noble friend that when advertisements are written in this way they have a very much reduced effect because presumably someone coming in the opposite direction cannot read them. I imagine that is why the practice is not widespread.