§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of the large number of road accidents which occur when persons leave omnibuses and go behind to cross the road; if he can state the number of such accidents caused by vehicles coming from the opposite direction; and will he issue orders compelling drivers to slow down when approaching stationary omnibuses from which people are alighting.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, although I have no precise figures, I am aware that many accidents occur when passengers alight from an omnibus and cross the road from behind it while it is still stationary. The Highway Code impresses on both drivers and pedestrians the dangers of this practice, and directs the drivers of vehicles coming from the opposite direction to slow down or stop when that is necessary. It is of the highest importance that these injunctions should be observed, but the Road Traffic Acts have not conferred on my Noble Friend any powers to give them the force of law.