HC Deb 06 July 1933 vol 280 cc484-5
11. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the danger caused on the main arterial roads and by-passes at week-ends by motorists crawling at low speeds in the middle of the road; and if he will instruct the mobile police to see that motorists who desire to drive at slow speeds shall keep as near the kerb as possible

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

The motor patrols in the Metropolitan Police District have full instructions as to how to deal with offences and acts which impede the free flow of traffic and in particular they have been instructed to call attention to and to check (preferably on the spot) acts which, though they do not amount to offences for which proceedings could be taken, yet impede the flow of traffic or are calculated to interfere with the safety or convenience of other road users. The matter has also been dealt with in Home Office circulars to Chief Officers of Police and I have no doubt that similar instructions have been given to motor patrols in other forces.

Mr. REMER

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on the Watford by-pass road last Sunday a hundred cars were crawling at less than 20 miles an hour down the middle of the road; and will he ask the police to give special attention to this matter?

Mr. HACKING

I was not present on the Watford by-pass road last Sunday, but I will have inquiries made.

Mr. PIKE

Are there any instructions in respect of slow-moving traffic on the crown of the road?

Mr. HACKING

Yes, Sir, I have just referred to the instructions which are issued.