31 MAY 1935, Page 3

Fewer Accidents on the Roads Mr. Hore-Belisha deserves some at

least of the credit for the fact that in the 10 weeks ended May 18th, 1935; the numbers of persons killed and injured on the roads were reduced by 13.9 and 9.7 per cent, respectively as compared with last year. That is a considerable improvement. But he was able to show in his address to the National Safety Congress on Wednesday that the reductions in London were very much higher, namely 30.7 and 15.4. That must be taken as a clear indication that the Metropolitan area has been handling the problem better than it has been handled elsewhere, and that the methods pursued there ought to be studied by other authorities—though it may not be certain how far the results are due to lights, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, beacons or superior police control, or all of these. Systematic improvement of the roads under the " five- year plan " will make for greater safety. The supreme desideratum is better and more sensible driving and more careful walking.