HC Deb 19 November 2003 vol 413 cc927-8W
John Thurso

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment has been made of the effect of wearing reflective clothing on the number of(a) child and (b) road casualties; [139589]

(2) what support has been given to the Cats Eyes for Kids road safety campaign; and what assessment there has been of its impact on (a) the number of casualties and (b) promoting better individual behaviour related to road safety. [139590]

Mr. Jamieson

The Nationwide's Cats' Eyes for Kids campaign promotes reflective clothing, and provides reflectors for children to wear. It is not possible to quantify exactly how much the wearing of such materials impacts on casualties. But together with other good practice, it undoubtedly makes our children more visible when walking in the dark and thus safer on the roads. The Nationwide initiative is an excellent example of how the private sector can help us to meet national casualty reduction targets.