|
|
| DATE |
DESCRIPTION OF LAW / REGULATION / EVENT ETC. |
| 1938 |
Morris
Series E Saloon launched. This 8hp car was the cheapest in Britain costing
£128 |
|
1939 |
Driving tests suspended on September 2 due to the Second World War.
Road deaths totaled 8272, (probably due to the blackout).
(3 September) Petrol rationing introduced allowing about 200 miles of
motoring per month for each motorist.
There are now two million cars on Britain's roads. |
|
1940 |
20mph speed limit in darkness introduced to attempt to combat the high
incidence of car accident insurance claim incidents.
Introduction of British Summer Time, partly due to the road death toll.
Road signs removed due to the threat of enemy invasion. |
|
1941 |
RoSPA formed from the Road Board.
9169 road deaths including 4781 pedestrians. This is 38% higher than the
immediate pre-war figure despite their being under half as many cars on
the road. |
|
1942 |
Kerb Drill launched. |
| 1944 |
Volvo
introduce a safety cage on volume production cars. |
| 1945 |
Henry
Ford resigns as president of The Ford Motor Company. |
|
1946 |
Driving tests reintroduced on November 1. The incidence of car accident insurance claim cases continues to increase placing a strain on insurers.
The first British car to have a steering column
gear change was the Triumph 1800. |
|
1947 |
On 18 Feb. a period of one year was granted for holders of wartime
provisional licences to convert to a full licence, without having to take
a test.
RAC/ACU Motorcycle Training Scheme launched. |
| 1948 |
Flat
rate car tax set at £10 per car. |
| 1950 |
Seatbelts
fitted for first time to Nash Rambler, intended to prevent sleeping
passengers from falling out of their seats.
Wartime petrol rationing came to an end. |
|
1951 |
Zebra Crossings introduced. The first one was installed in Slough. |
|
1953 |
Radial Ply tyres introduced.
|
