HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc773-4W
Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents causing (a) death and (b) serious personal injury have involved cyclists in Greater London in each of the last five years.

sidered to be unsuitable for transport by any means, the current regulations controlling the transport of these dangerous goods do not prohibit any of them from being conveyed by road. Nor are there any substances which are required to be transported by rail alone.

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that the vehicle insurance coverage relating to heavy road tankers covering explosive, inflammable and poisonous liquids adequately reflects the disproportionate risks of damage and injury in accidents where such vehicles are involved; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Road Traffic Act 1972 requires a vehicle user to insure against any liability for death or bodily injury caused by, or arising out of, the use of a motor vehicle on a road. Cover has to be unlimited.

Liability for property damage is not compulsorily insurable. In practice owners of heavy road tankers insure against it but the amount of cover is a matter for them and their insurers.

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many road accidents occurred during the last 12 months involving liquefield explosive, inflammable and poisonous substances; in how many cases fire ensued; in how many cases explosions occurred; in how many cases toxic gases were released; and what was the total cost of damages and injury caused by such accidents.

Mr. William Rodgers

I regret that the full information is not available. Accidents reported under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 are as follows:

Mr. Horam

Statistics of road accidents and casualties in local areas are a matter for the local authority concerned. I suggest that the hon. Member gets in touch with the Greater London council which is the local highway authority.