Road Safety Bill [HL]

I am grateful to noble Lords for taking part in this debate. While I understand the noble Baroness’ concerns, I must disappoint her, because I shall   resist the amendment. Amendment No. 50 generally would require motor vehicle occupants—drivers, riders and passengers—to wear reflective clothing when leaving their vehicles, except when they are parked. I am grateful to the noble Baroness for explaining her reasons for tabling the new clause. We advise pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to wear fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to improve their visibility to other road users. That advice is in the Highway Code. The code also advises drivers and other vehicle occupants on where they should stand if their vehicle breaks down, with special advice regarding motorways. Our leaflet, A Guide to Safer Motorway Driving, also contains advice on what to do when a vehicle breaks down on a motorway. Drivers and occupants are not at great risk when they follow that advice. For example, regarding motorways, they are advised to wait on a nearby bank or verge, well away from the traffic. Therefore, we do not believe that we should go further and require the wearing of special clothing. I hope, in view of that explanation, that the noble Baroness will withdraw the amendment.