Mr. Galbraith Makes His Debut
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FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT
THE changes which will follow when pedestrian-controlled vehicles are no longer treated as motor vehicles were outlined in the Commons last week by Mr. Thomas Galbraith, taking his first spell of duty as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport,
The drivers would not be required to have driving licences, third-party insurance would no longer be compulsory— though most operators were expected to continue with it—lighting regulations would be less stringent, and the vehicles would cease to be subject to the Construction and Use regulations.
On the other hand, pointed out Mr. Galbraith, they would continue to be motor vehicles for the purpose of Part IV of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, which dealt with the regulation of goods vehicles and carriers' licences, and gave vehicle examiners powers of inspection.
This constituted a valuable check on road-worthiness, and was an important safeguard to have retained. Other statutory provisions which would continue to apply were those of the Vehicles Excise Act, 1962, under which vehicles must be registered and licensed for purposes of revenue and identification.
Mr. Galbraith emphasized that the regulations making the change in status were strictly experimental and said a further extension would need to be looked at in the light of experience.
Welcoming the change. Opposition Front Bench speaker, Mr. R. J. Mellish, 'aimed that the situation revealed anomalies concerning a considerable number of other mechanically propelled vehicles. The Opposition wou:d in due course want to know how many others of these vehicles were still affected by driving licences.
After Mrs. Barbara Castle (Labour, Blackburn)—who first raised the question of these vehicles—had also welcomed the regulations they were approved by the House.