HC Deb 08 May 1940 vol 360 cc1210-1
27. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Transport for what reason he proposes to exclude all motor vehicles owned by the fighting Services from any speed limit even when not driven by employés of those Departments and on errands not connected with the national emergency?

Captain Wallace

The provisions which the hon. Member has in mind came into force shortly before the outbreak of war, and apply only to motor vehicles which are used for naval, military or Air Force purposes and either are the property of the Admiralty, the War Department or the Air Ministry, or are being driven by persons for the time being subject to the orders of a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown. The effect of the Regulations in question is that such vehicles may, if necessary, be driven at a speed exceeding the limit prescribed in relation to the class of vehicle concerned; they do not, however, give any exemption from the speed limits applicable in built-up areas to all classes of motor vehicles. The issue of new consolidating Regulations on 1st April did not change the position so far as motor vehicles owned by the fighting Services were concerned.

Mr. Leach

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that he is imperilling public safety by giving wholesale permissions to these people to go at whatever speed they like on whatever errands they may be engaged?

Captain Wallace

I do not really think that is the case. First of all, these regulations do not, as I rather think the hon. Gentleman believes, give any exemption in any circumstances from the 30-miles-an-hour limit in built-up areas. All that they do in certain circumstances—and in at least one of the Service Departments written permission has to be obtained—is to give permission to a lorry which is restricted to 20 miles to go, in case of urgency, at 30.

Mr. Leach

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that that restriction is not put forth at all in the regulations?

Captain Wallace

Well, that is what the regulations are for, and they are generally understood to mean that. The speed limit in built-up areas is in no way affected.