§ 25. Mr. DAVID EVANS (for Mr. ALED ROBERTS)asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain highway authorities have provided portable sign boards for use on roads bearing the inscription" Stop—Road Traffic Officer"; and whether, inasmuch as the driver of a motor vehicle is not obliged to stop at the request of any officer except a police constable in uniform, he will cause the use of such notices to be discontinued?
Captain HUDSONMIn the absence of some means of stopping vehicles, the powers of highway authorities under Section 27 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to weigh vehicles, could not be effectively carried out. My hon. Friend has, therefore, under the powers conferred by Section 48 of the Act, authorised the use of signs of this type. These signs may be used only by persons duly authorised under the Act to discharge the duty of weighing vehicles. Directions issued provide that the signs are not to be used during the hours of darkness.
§ Captain STRICKLANDWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House how a motorist is to know whether or not a person is authorised to use the sign?
Captain HUDSONThe sign cannot be mistaken. It bears the words "Stop. Road Traffic Officer" Unless an officer has power to stop a vehicle, he cannot weigh it. Parliament has decided that it should be weighed, and I do not see what else can be done.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSUnder what section of the Road Traffic Act is sanction given to persons other than police and ambulance and fire brigade men to exceed the speed limit?