HC Deb 18 March 1931 vol 249 cc2010-1
23. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that drivers have been convicted for exceeding the speed limit when driving motor-coaches not fitted with speedometers; and if he proposes to take any action in this matter?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

My attention had not been drawn to this matter. In the ease of regular motor coach services, an application for a road service licence will have to be accompanied, in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, by time tables and Section 72 of the Act provides that the Area Traffic Commissioners shall not grant a licence if it appears to them from the time table to be likely that the legal maximum speed for the vehicles used on the service would be exceeded. In the circumstances, I have not thought it necessary in the Regulations that have recently been made under the Act to require that motor coaches should be fitted with speedometers.

Mr. ALBERY

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw attention to the urgency of this matter and to the desirability of drivers having speedometers?

Mr. MORRISON

We must be guided by experience, but I think it better that the owners of the vehicles should be made to realise their sense of responsibility in fixing the schedules for the vehicles.

Mr. DAY

Have there been many of these convictions?

Mr. MORRISON

I cannot say; I had to inform the hon. Gentleman that my attention had not previously been drawn to the matter.