§ 8. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Minister of Transport what exemption from traffic regulations have been accorded to vehicles moving troops, stores or materials for air-raid precautions?
§ The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)I have made two Orders dealing with the subject to which my hon. Friend refers. The Drivers' Hours Order provides that Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930 (which limits the hours of duty for driving), shall not apply in relation to the driving of motor vehicles while used for the haulage of materials or supplies for Government purposes in defence services. Where hours in excess of those permitted by the section are worked the fact that the driver is employed on such work must be entered on the record; and at least 10 consecutive hours of rest must be allowed after each excess period. The Motor Vehicles (Armed Forces) (Variation of Speed Limit) Regulations, 1939, vary the provisions of the First Schedule to the Road Traffic Act, 1934, in such manner as to impose no speed limit outside built-up areas on vehicles owned by the Admiralty, the War Department or the Air Ministry and used for naval, military or Air Force purposes; or on vehicles so used while being driven by persons for the time being subject to the orders of any member of the Armed Forces of the Crown.
§ Sir H. WilliamsAm I to understand that there has been no change in built-up areas and no change with regard to the rules affecting pedestrian crossings?
§ Captain WallacePedestrian crossings are an entirely different question. Certainly, there has been no change with regard to the obligation to observe the 30 miles an hour limit in built-up areas.
§ Mr. JaggerDoes not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that what he is doing obliges transport workers to work 14 hours in every 24 hours?
§ Captain WallaceI am sure the hon. Member will agree that there may on occasion be certain cases where it is in the national interest that they should, and I believe they are very glad to do so.