§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Minister of Transport what progress he has made with his consideration of measures for controlling the use of radio-telephones on the highway; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI am glad to say that following the proposals which I circulated for comment on 23rd April representatives of the manufacturers and the private operators of radio-telephones have formed a Mobile Radio Safety Committee. I welcome their offer to co-operate with my Department in a permanent consultative body in order to further safety aspects, and I shall arrange for full consultation with it. With my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General I shall also be studying the road safety aspects of the Post Office radiophone service which is now operating on a limited basis in London as well as in South Lancashire.
In these circumstances and in the hope that co-operation will promote the further development of efficiency as well as of safety, I have decided that there is no need for the time being to proceed with my earlier proposals for a Regulation prohibiting the use of radio-telephone equipment by a driver when driving. I intend, however, to review this decision in the light of developments during the next two years. The use of a radiotelephone by the driver of a moving vehicle may constitute an offence under Section 2 or Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1960, which relate to dangerous and careless driving respectively. The advice given to G.P.O. subscribers who are driving is to stop in a safe place before taking or making a call. I am sure this is the safest course for all drivers to follow.