Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport what has recently been the rate of increase in accidents involving heavy vehicles; and how this compares with the rate of increase in the numbers of these vehicles.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThere was a decrease of 1.1 per cent. In 1964 compared with 1963, while the number with current licences rose by 2.2 per cent. In the period January-April 1965 there was an increase of 3.6 per cent. compared with the same period in 1964, but no figures are available yet of the growth in the number of these vehicles in 1965.
Mr. Alan Williamsasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to require improvement in the braking power of heavy vehicles.
§ Mr. Tom FraserFollowing regulations which were made last year, my Working Party on Brakes has published a draft code of practice for the brakes of certain categories of heavier goods vehicle. It has also given me advice on the braking efficiencies of other goods vehicles over 30 cwt. unladen weight. Draft regulations on the braking standards for new vehicles in this category will be circulated176W as soon as possible. A draft code of practice for the brakes of these medium sized goods vehicles will be considered by the Working Party early in the autumn.
I regard all the work being done to improve brakes as a matter of great importance and I much appreciate the co-operation which my Department is receiving from all sides of industry and the other members of the Working Party.