HC Deb 15 May 1935 vol 301 cc1700-2
29. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on the Cobham-Esher road the commencement of the restricted speed area of Esher is indicated by a temporary paper sign pasted on a metal disc fastened by wire to the first lamp-post; that this sign has no reflectors and is invisible at night unless a car driver has his head-lights full on; and what steps has he taken to protect motorists from prosecutions arising from the delay and neglect of the local authority in carrying out his instructions?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

Yes, Sir, and as a result of representations by my Department a permanent sign with reflex lenses was erected at the point mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend on Saturday last.

Sir W. BRASS

Is it not the case that these paper signs which are being put up all over the country at the present time are entirely illegal, and contrary to the regulations of my hon. Friend?

Mr. HORE-BELSHA

They are coming down.

33 and 34. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the names of the local authorities who have agreed to de-restrict roads in response to suggestions made to them by him, indicating in the case of each authority the number of miles so de-restricted;

(2) the total number of miles of roads the local authorities have agreed to de-restrict from the 30-miles-per-hour speed limit which had previously been restricted; and what percentage this number represents of the total number of miles of road included in the first list of roads suggested to him by the motoring organisations for de-restriction?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

In reply to questions by the hon. Members for Dorset East (Mr. Hall-Caine) and Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on the 1st May, I gave an exhaustive list of authorities to whom I had addressed communications on this subject. I would point out, however, that I am, from day to day, approving orders for the de-restriction of roads which do not come within this category and if my hon. and gallant Friend desires particulars of these, including mileage, I shall be glad to send them to him when the position is more stabilised.

Sir W. BRASS

Cannot my hon. Friend answer the first question that I have asked: Will he state the names of the actual local authorities—I understand that there are only a very few of them—who have agreed to his suggestions up to the present?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I think that that information is included in the answer to which I have referred my hon. and gallant Friend, and, as I only gave it on the 1st May, I hope that he will accept it at the moment. I would ask him to put down a question at a later date, so that I can give him a more complete list when the position has become stabilised, but I think he will find that information in the answer to which I have referred.

Sir W. BRASS

Can my hon. Friend give any indication of the date when he thinks that he will be able to give me the information?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, if my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me, I will send him a note when he can put down a question.

37. Mr. SUMMERSBY

asked the Minister of Transport why the 30-milesper-hour speed limit restriction is still applied from the end of Colnbrook bypass road to Taplow station road on the Bath road?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have already given notice of my intention to make an Order to remove the speed limit from the Bath Road between the points mentioned with the exception of a section in the town of Slough and a short section at Everitt's Corner. The Order will be made this week.

42. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that great expense will be caused to local authorities if he forces them to put up 30-miles-per-hour speed-limit signs on both sides of the road; and whether, in view of the fact that, as there is a de-restriction sign on the offside of the road opposite all restriction signs, these signs are unnecessary, he will reconsider his decision on this point?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I came to the conclusion that the erection of a sign on each side of the road indicating on different faces the beginning and end of the 30 miles-an-hour speed-limit would be of great assistance. The expense involved is extremely small, but I have informed local authorities that where the existing small de-restriction signs have to be replaced and cannot otherwise be used, the cost, including the cost of removal, will be met wholly from the Road Fund.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTE

Will my hon. Friend consider putting the restriction sign on the reverse side of the new de-restriction sign?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

There is generally to be one on each side.