HC Deb 15 May 1905 vol 146 c284
*GENERAL LAURIE

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has seen any of the furniture removal vans, with locomotive fittings and with another furniture van attached as a trailer, which are now occupying the streets of the Metropolis, and which are permitted under the heavy motorcar regulations to travel at a speed far in excess of what is allowed to horse traffic; and whether he will take steps by personal observation and otherwise to examine the situation and make such modifications as will restore to the general public the free use of the public roads.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I understand there are a certain number of vans answering to the description in the Question at present in use in the Metropolis. Under the regulations the speed of a heavy motor-car drawing a trailer is not to exceed five miles an hour, and I understand that the police have been directed to see that the vehicles in question do not proceed at a speed in excess of the legal maximum.

*GENERAL LAURIE

But is it not a fact that these heavy motor-cars with rubber tyres are allowed to go eight miles an hour?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I do not think these cars have rubber tyres.

*GENERAL LAURIE

I am certain that under the regulations they can travel eight miles an hour and go much quicker than five miles.