HC Deb 12 March 1976 vol 907 c342W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has in mind for reducing the present rate of casualties on the highways.

Dr. Gilbert

My priorities are the compulsory wearing of seat belts and strengthening the law on drinking and driving. The first of these alone could reduce fatal and serious casualties by about 15 per cent. I have published proposals to improve the standard of driving instruction and the driving test, and am considering means to reduce the accident rate of moped riders particularly among the young. I have in mind other measures, which I hope to be able to introduce after the necessary consultations, and I also intend to publish again proposals to require the use of headlights by vehicles on all roads at night.