HC Deb 06 November 1967 vol 753 cc67-8W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received from organisations associated with lorry drivers concerning the inadequacy of sleeping accommodation and vehicle parks available to long-distance drivers which will result from the pro- posed regulations on drivers' hours of work; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

We have received representations from one organisation but we see no reason why the proposed changes in drivers' hours of work should add significantly to the demand for these facilities.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Transport what recent inquiries her Department has made into the availability of sleeping accommodation for long-distance lorry drivers, in London and elsewhere; if she will consult with the local authorities to identify sites which could be used for motel acccommodation and vehicle parks for these drivers before bringing in regulations on drivers' hours of work; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

None. The provision of sleeping accommodation for long-distance lorry drivers is a matter for the road transport and catering industries. Local authorities are already aware of the need for adequate overnight parking space for lorries.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Transport if she will set out the statistics available to her Department of accidents involving goods vehicles which support the view that limitation of drivers' hours is necessary in the interests of public safety; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

Limits on lorry drivers hours have been in force since 1930 to prevent over-tired drivers from endangering public safety. The new proposals for reducing the number of hours a driver may spend at the wheel are designed to take account of the more difficult traffic conditions drivers have to face on the roads today.

Last year, 74,644 goods vehicles were involved in accidents resulting in personal injury. It is seldom possible to isolate fatigue from all the other factors contributing to accidents; separate figures would therefore be misleading.