§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport whether he or the Home Secretary has power to prohibit motor vehicles having trailer vehicles in tow using the streets of large cities during hours when traffic is very dense; and, since accidents are liable to occur to foot-passengers attempting to cross the road, being unaware that a trailer is attached to the motor lorry, whether some compulsory sign to be carried on the towing vehicle, visible by day and night, can be insisted upon in forthcoming legislation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYSo far as I am aware neither the Secretary of State for the Home Department nor I have any general powers to prohibit the use of the streets of large cities by motor vehicles with trailer vehicles in tow, during the hours when traffic is very dense, provided that the streets are otherwise suitable. Certain powers of regulation in matters of a similar nature are, however, conferred upon me, in respect of the London Traffic Area, by the London Traffic Act, 1924. As regards the latter part of the question, the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles in their Second Interim Report, came to the conclusion that the avoidance of accidents could best be promoted by a regu-2324W lation providing that the distance separating the towing from the towed vehicle should not exceed 10 feet between their nearest points. In connection with the Bill for the better regulation of road vehicles, which I hope to introduce, the question of conferring powers on the Minister of Transport to deal with this and other similar matters will receive very careful consideration.