HC Deb 28 June 1933 vol 279 cc1496-7W
Sir G. FOX

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the police at Reigate in exhibiting two overturned motor cars and a dummy corpse as a warning to motorists; and whether, in view of the possibility that such action may make many new drivers nervous and thereby cause more accidents than it will prevent, he will take steps to discourage such action in future?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have been asked to reply. I have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Reigate, who informs me that the exhibition in question was organised by the local branch of the National "Safety First" Association, of which the Chief Constable is honorary secretary. The exhibition formed part of an extensive programme of safety first displays held in connection with a safety first week at Reigate from the 5th to the 10th June. The exhibition consisted of one or two old motor cars placed at certain sites off the main road on which posters and other matter advertising the safety first week were fixed. A similar exhibition was given last year and the Chief Constable states that no reports were received that anyone was alarmed or shocked by the display. This year a firm of Press photographers, without authority and before the representation was complete, used the opportunity to take and publish a photograph of a person lying near the scene and posed as if injured as the result of the accident. This was no part of the exhibition organised by the association and I join with my hon. Friend in deprecating the action taken.

Sir G. FOX

asked the Home Secretary whether the memorandum issued by his Department in 1929, stating that the motorist has a right to continue crossing on the amber light is still effective; and, if not, what modification of such memorandum has been issued?

Mr. STANLEY

I have been asked to answer this question. The memorandum to which my hon. Friend refers makes it clear that a driver should stop short of the intersection when the amber light is shown, unless he finds himself unable to do so with safety; in the latter case he should go on and get clear of the intersection. There has been no modification of the memorandum since its issue.