§ 34. Mr. MABANEasked the Home Secretary what speed-limit is imposed upon Green Line omnibuses in Central 541 London; and whether his attention has been called to the danger to other road users resulting from the speed of these omnibuses?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe speed limit imposed upon Green Line coaches is 30 miles per hour. The Commissioner of Police informs me that there is no reason to believe that these vehicles are driven at higher speeds than other vehicles of the same class or that the danger caused by them is greater.
§ Mr. MABANECan the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he will take to see that the new speed limit is not brought into the same contempt as the old, as it is common knowledge that these omnibuses travel at 40 miles an hour on main London thoroughfares?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe police do their best in the matter.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the time-tables within which the drivers are compelled to run these omnibuses practically compel the drivers to break the law in this respect?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIf that is so, proceedings can be taken, and proceedings are taken in many cases.
§ Mr. DAVIESAre the proceedings taken against the owners of the omnibuses or the drivers in that case?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIt depends on the nature of the offence.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTECannot proceedings be taken against the owners and not against the drivers?
§ Major BEAUMONT THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman send instructions to the Area Traffic Commissioners, whose job it is, to see that time-tables are not drawn up in that way?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI am glad to think that that matter relates to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.