§ Mr. Benyonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can now give the accident figures on motorways during the period of lighting restrictions earlier in 1974, together with the comparable figures for 1973.
§ Mr. MulleyLighting was restricted on rural motorways except at interchanges on 16th November 1973. Further reductions were made on 6th December 1973 at rural interchanges and some urban motorways. Lighting restrictions were removed on 12th March 1974. In January and February 1974 there were 264 accidents and in the comparable period of 1973, 444 accidents. Other factors influencing road accidents in early 1974 were the operation of the 50 mph speed limit and the changes in travel patterns.