HC Deb 28 February 1912 vol 34 cc1366-7
Mr. FELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the overturning of a motor omnibus in Surbiton, which was stated to be going at eighteen or twenty miles an hour; and if his Department has now obtained a satisfactory speedometer with a large dial to be fixed to the side of motor omnibuses to show the speed at which they are travelling?

Mr. McKENNA

I have received reports-about the accident in question, which resulted from the turning of a corner from one road into another at far too high a speed. The driver has since been convicted of dangerous driving. In such circumstances a speedometer would certainly not prevent a driver from driving dangerously round a corner, and it might even mislead instead of assisting him. He would be apt to think that he was safe in all circumstances if the speedometer showed that he was keeping within the speed limit.

Mr. FELL

Is a speedometer not of use in cases where rapid driving takes place, but an accident does not necessarily result?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; I think, on the whole, a speedometer would be calculated to mislead, and to encourage the driver who was driving fast but inside the speed limit.