HC Deb 13 November 1953 vol 520 cc108-9W
Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement on standing passengers in public-passenger vehicles.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In view of the representations which have been made to me I have decided that the regulations governing this matter should be so framed as to allow up to eight standing passengers (or one-third of the seating capacity, if less) on a single-decked stage carriage or on the lower deck of a double-decked stage carriage.

I also propose to permit continued experiments with vehicles specially designed to carry a greater number of standing passengers on certain services.

I do not, however, propose to take any action to replace the present Standing Passengers Order, which covers both public service vehicles and trolley vehicles, until I have received the report of the Thesiger Committee and have studied any recommendations they may make as regards the manner in which standing passengers in trolley vehicles should be controlled in the future.

I shall in due course circulate draft regulations for consideration on matters of detail.