HC Deb 24 October 1956 vol 558 cc41-2W
Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many road casualties were reported in Lincoln during the six months ended 30th June, 1956; how many of these were fatal; and how these totals compare with those during the similar periods in 1954 and 1955.

Mr. Watkinson

One hundred and thirty-six road casualties, including one fatality, were reported in Lincoln during the six months ended 30th June, 1956. In the same months in 1955 there were 120 casualties, of which one was fatal, and in 1954, 85 casualties, none being fatal.

Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the increasing number of deaths and injuries on the roads, what action he proposes to take to deal with the situation.

Mr. Watkinson

I regret that the number of road casualties during the first nine months of 1956 was 3 per cent. higher than in the corresponding months of 1955. There is no single solution to this problem. Many of the provisions in the new Road Traffic Act are designed to contribute to greater safety and I am bringing the various sections into force as soon as I can. It has already been announced that many of the new provisions will become operative on 1st November.

I have great faith in road safety education, in which I receive valuable help from many sources. I am at present cooperating with local Road Safety Committees and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in a special three month campaign for the greater protection of children. This "Mind that Child" campaign is being well supported and preliminary results are encouraging.

I have already announced that my roads programme includes the treatment of accident black spots and I want to be sure of getting the greatest possible road safety dividend from the money that can be made available. I hope that my recently appointed Road Accident Investigation Officers will be of real help to Highway Authorities in their work of identifying accident black spots and working out suitable remedial treatment.

Government action alone cannot solve this problem. Every road user has a responsibility which must be discharged sensibly and skilfully if real progress is to be made.