§ 68. Brigadier General COCKERILLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that there has recently been more than one fatal accident due to motor traffic where the London-Brighton roads pass through Redhill and Reigate, and that there is a strong feeling locally that the 10-mile-per-hour motor speed limit areas within the borough of Reigate, which includes Redhill, should be extended; whether he has received an application from the borough council requesting the extension of those areas in the interest of public safety; whether he has declined to sanction the proposed extension; and, if so, on what grounds?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)My information is to the effect that one fatal accident has occurred 45 recently on the stretches of road referred to in the application made by the Reigate Town Council, and that such accident could not be attributed to excessive speed or negligence on the part of the driver of the vehicle. The area within which the 10 mile speed limit applies was extended after a special investigation by an inspector of the Ministry held on the 11th February, 1921, and I have recently had the district revisited. It is not considered that any further revision is necessary. The Town Council has been advised to put up further warning signs.
§ Brigadier-General COCKERILLIs it a fact that when the district was revisited the roads were closed to traffic?
§ Mr. NEALYes, I think that is a fact. I do not think that had a material effect on the decision. It was inspected 12 months ago, and there was traffic at that time.
§ Brigadier-General COCKERILLWill the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of making inquiries at the time when the road is open?