HC Deb 03 April 1941 vol 370 c1185W
Mr. Silkin

asked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents on the road that have occurred in the months of December, January and February; how many took place in daylight and how many during the hours of darkness; and whether, with a view to reducing the number of road accidents, he will consider the question of restricting the use of private motor-cars for private purposes during the: hours of darkness?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available, but the figures of persons reported to have died in Great Britain during the months of December, 1940, and January and February, 1941, as a result of road accidents are as follows:

During hours of darkness. During other hours. Total.
December, 1940 874 442 1,316
January, 1941 432 309 741
February, 1941 353 336 689

It would not be practicable to restrict the use of private motor-cars during the hours of darkness according to the purpose for which they were used, nor am I satisfied that such a course is in the public interest.