Lorries Criticized For Throwing-up mud
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LORRIES carrying sand, _gravel and .1--4 timber were criticized in the Lords last week for throwing-up mud and slush. Certain types of vehicle for carrying sand and gravel were the worst offenders, said the Earl of Gosford: They seemed to have a design where the mudguards stopped at the back of the lorry and did not come over the wheels, allowing mud. to 'comer up, said the Earl. With such vehicles flaps would obviously be the answer as an interim measure.
Timber vehicles-Particrilarly trailers-came under attack from Lord Ferrier. He had seen one without mudguards, he said, and such trailers produced a yery complicated structUre of spray.. Lord Ferrer asked if the Road Research Laboratory was examining accidents caused by mud and slush being thrown up on to rear lights, which, in his experience, was• responsible for many accidents involving stationary vehicles. The Laboratory was not conducting researches into accident causes, but into methods of reducing the spray thrown up, whether on to other vehicles or on to .lights, replied Lord Chesharn.'
Answering a series of questions about the Laboratory's experiments, Lord Chesham said the studies included both rigid mudguards and flaps. When conclusions had been reached Mr. Marples would consider whether new regulations should be made.
More Freedom For Buses?
IN an attempt to relieve traffic congestion the Ministry of Transport is drawing up a programme for comprehensive treatment of the principal radial roads out of London, incorporating special peak-hour waiting and loading restrictions where it is thought these will be helpful.
Mr. Thomas Galbraith, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, announced this during a short Commons debate on public transport in Hayes and Harlington. He said that Mr. Marples was most interested in giving public service:vehicles greater freedom of movement on the road. The Minister was at present examining points of traffic congestion in suburban areas to see which remedial measures were possible, taking into account the reports of congestion received from I.ondon Transport.
Compulsory Washers?
Ik AR. MARPLES said last week that he 1V1 hoped the fitting of windscreen washers would be 'extended, but he did not consider that their installation should be made compulsory for all cars and lorries.