HC Deb 04 July 1978 vol 953 cc110-1W
Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the danger to road users generally arising from the growing practice of motorists displaying in the front and rear windows of motor vehicles such distracting and misleading gimmicks as waving hands, frolicking figures, grimacing skulls, flashing lights and eye-catching displays which obscure vision, if he will take steps to discourage this practice and, if necessary seek to make it illegal.

Mr. Horam

The highway code and the Department's manual "Driving" remind drivers of the need to keep windscreens and windows clean and clear. Regulation 93 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1973 requires window glass to be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven.

Number
1973 1974 1975 1976 1977
Killed 255 278 265 332 343
Seriously injured 4,664 4,697 4,975 5,588 5,774
Slightly injured 11,794 11,476 13,530 14,943 15,350
All severities 16,713 16,451 18,770 20,863 21,467