HC Deb 03 February 1960 vol 616 cc125-6W
20. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the surveys which have been undertaken to obtain further data in accident rates for motor cyclists of different ages as recommended by the Departmental Committee on Road Safety in its Report on the Minimum Age for Motor Cyclists.

Mr. Hay

Information has been collected about 10,000 motor cyclists and about 5,000 motor cycle accidents. The analysis of this material is nearly complete.

49. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport what was the percentage of accidents, in the latest available year, in which the influence of drink or drugs was a contributory factor; and what was the percentage in which pedestrian heedlessness of traffic was such a factor.

Mr. Marples

In 1959 drivers under the influence of drink were reported in 0.6 per cent. of all fatal and serious accidents. 93 per cent. of the fatal or serious accidents to pedestrians occurred when the pedestrian concerned was crossing or in the road; heedlessness of traffic is no longer reported as a specific contributory factor.

48. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will show in a table the percentages of all power-driven vehicles licensed in 1959, comprising private cars, lorries, motor cycles, and other vehicles, respectively, and the percentage of accidents for which vehicles in each of these categories were held by the police to be responsible.

Mr. Marples

The following table shows the percentages of motor vehicles involved in personal injury accidents; it should be noted that involvement does not necessarily imply responsibility.

Vehicles Licensed in 1959 Involved in personal personal injury accidents in 1959
Per cent. of total Per cent. of total
Mopeds 4.0 1.8
Motor cycles (including scooters) 15.5 26.5
Cars and taxis (including three wheelers) 58.4 45.3
Public Service vehicles 0.9 6.6
Goods vehicles:
Not over 1½ tons 8.6 9.5
1½ to 3 tons 4.4 5.1
Over 3 tons 2.4 4.1
Other motor vehicles 5.8 1.1
TOTAL 100.0 100.0

67. Commander Kerans

asked the Minister of Transport what was the number of accidents caused by bicycles in 1959.

Mr. Hay

58,831 bicycles were involved in personal injury accidents in 1959. I must, however, point out that involvement does not necessarily mean responsibility.