§ 51. Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSasked the Minister of Transport the number of applications that his Department has received for local speed limits since 703 the Road Traffic Act of 1930 came into force; how many of these have been granted and for what speeds; how many have been refused and on what grounds the refusals were made; and whether any are still under consideration?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)Eleven applications have been made by local authorities for speed limits since the Road Traffic Act, 1930, came into force. One for 30 miles an hour has been approved; of two for 15 miles an hour one was granted and the other refused; of seven for 10 miles an hour, two were granted, four refused, and one is under consideration; and one for 4 miles an hour (through the Abbey Gateway at Malvern) was granted. The circumstances were fully investigated and public inquiries held where thought necessary. The grounds for refusal were either that the restriction applied for was not justified or did not appear to be likely to have the effect which the authority desired.
§ Sir W. BRASSIn view of the small number of applications for these local speed limits, can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether the Minister of Transport communicated with the local authorities before bringing in the general speed limit for built-up areas in his Bill?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI do not think that is a question which really arises, and we shall certainly be able to discuss the speed limit in all its aspects during the Committee stage of the Bill.
§ Sir W. BRASSBut cannot my hon. and gallant Friend tell the House whether he did consult the local authorities at all about it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.