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Road Safety Bill [Lords]

I agree with the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), who raised the issue of pedicabs, which are unchecked and unregulated, and cause major problems on our roads. There is no recourse for anyone involved in an accident with them, and that issue should be tackled as a matter of urgency. The hon. Gentleman and my right hon. Friend the Member for East Yorkshire (Mr. Knight) spoke about first aid-training for drivers. I appreciate that refresher courses would be required, but if someone has learned something there are some aspects that they will never forget. If that training saves one life, it is worth while, but I recommend that we go a stage further. Some of our European neighbours and many other countries make it compulsory to carry first-aid kits in all vehicles, which benefits everyone if a vehicle is involved in an accident or, indeed, if the driver and passengers witness an accident. I urge the Government to consider making it a legal requirement to carry first-aid boxes in cars. Speed cameras have been mentioned. I fully support them where they make our roads safe. However, there is a speed camera in my constituency at the bottom of the M11 exit to the Redbridge roundabout, where accidents have gone up by 300 per cent. since it was installed. Either it is the wrong place and needs to be moved, or one must assume that it is there for other reasons. Speed cameras should be there to make our roads safer, and for no other reason. Hon. Members have spoken about the blight of mini-motorcycles, which is a huge problem. In my constituency and, I am sure, in others, one sees very young children with no head gear or training driving unlicensed vehicles on the road. We have read in the press about many accidents and, indeed, fatalities. That must be stopped. It is not simply a matter of asking our police force or, indeed, local authorities, to enforce a ban—new legislation is required to bring mini-motorcycles into line with other road vehicles. I am in favour of a 20 mph speed limit near our schools. I praise the London borough of Redbridge for its work in imposing those limits around schools in my constituency, particularly primary schools. My right hon. Friend the Member for East Yorkshire said that there are certain times of year when a limit is not necessary, but I disagree, as they are needed throughout the year, including school holidays, in residential areas where children play. The 20 mph limit has saved many lives over the years, and it will continue to do so. As we have heard, the question of whether a child is hit at 20 mph or 30 mph can make the difference between serious injury and a life and death situation.