Citation

Bartrip PWJ. J. Legal Hist. 2010; 31(1): 45-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa- Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01440361003633361

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In 1930s Britain an average of almost 7000 road deaths and many more injuries were recorded each year. Most fatalities occurred among cyclists and pedestrians. In the course of the decade the Pedestrians? Association pressed for the no-fault compensation of road accident victims other than motorists and their passengers. A bill, initially welcomed by ministers, passed the House of Lords but failed to progress further owing to last-minute government opposition. This article explores efforts to change the law and the reasons why they failed. Carnage on the roads largely explains reformers? motivation; government reluctance to offend the motoring lobby explains their failure.