§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if he will state his plans for the prevention of accidents on British roads; and what reports he has received from the Departmental Road Safety Committee and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents on conditions on British roads so far as they affect road safety.
§ Mr. MarplesAs announced in the Gracious Speech, I hope to lay those of my proposals which involve legislation before Parliament during this session.
I am pressing for more training in road safety far young people; the Government are making a grant to the Royal Automobile Club to promote the expansion of the R.A.C./A.C.U. scheme for the training of young motor cyclists. I am hoping to arrange for an experiment involving the greater segregation of pedestrians and vehicles; I am pressing on with road improvements and vehicle testing.
Since the hon. Member's Question of 25th May last, the Departmental Committee on Road Safety has met once and has made recommendations to me about the regulation of reflectorised and illuminated advertising signs on vehicles and about the possibility of holding a Road Safety Day. I am considering these recommendations. The Committee is to meet again next week. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is in close and constant touch with my Department on all matters affecting road safety.