HC Deb 23 March 1932 vol 263 cc1022-4
42. Mr. JANNER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to state the nature of the special measures taken by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to prevent heavy vehicles from being driven at excessive speeds?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has issued orders that special attention is to be given to the enforcement of the law regulating the speed of heavy road vehicles, and that excessive speed by heavy commercial and other vehicles is to be stopped. The speed of such vehicles will be checked by motor patrols and by foot police on certain stretches of road. These steps will be taken at irregular intervals and in any locality where, from information received, it appears to be necessary. As the purpose of these measures is not to secure a number of convictions, but to prevent accidents, I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity of making a statement, which I hope will be taken as a warning by those concerned, and will lead to a cessation of driving at excessive speeds in London.

Mr. MABANE

Have similar instructions been sent to the provinces, as the right hon. Gentleman suggested a week ago?

Sir H. SAMUEL

I have informed the chief officers of police in other districts of the steps that are being taken in London, but I am not authorised to give them instructions.

Mr. THORNE

Will the same principle be applied to motor cycles?

Sir H. SAMUEL

The question on the Paper relates to heavy vehicles, but of course motor bicycles are subject to restriction and suitable measures can be taken.

Mr. PIKE

Would it not be fairer if a definite speed were laid down, so that the driver would know?

HON. MEMBERS

It is laid down.

Sir GEORGE HAMILTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the police to the fact that this is not altogether a question of preventing accidents but of compelling heavy vehicles to comply with the speed limit laid down by law?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir, but it is primarily for the purpose of preventing accidents.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman also communicate on this sub- ject with the Secretary of State for Scotland, so that similar action may be taken in Scotland?

Sir H. SAMUEL

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the facts.

Mr. BUCHANAN

He does not seem to be.