§ 21. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain important provisions of the Road Traffic Act, are not now being enforced, even in built-up areas; and whether, in view of the serious and increasing numbers of road casualties, he will instruct the police as far as possible to see that motor vehicles, whether civil or military, are driven with due care and consideration and at a reasonable speed, and that, where necessary, proceedings are taken to enforce the law in these respects.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir; the information in my possession does not support the suggestion in the first part of the Question; and I am satisfied that, without any instructions from me, the police are doing all they can to enforce the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts, in spite of the demands made upon them by reduced man-power and the many additional duties which fall to them in war-time. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend can give me any specific instances of failure on the part of the police to take appropriate action, I shall be glad to make inquiry.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs it not possible for the police on normal duty, in built-up areas, to take notice of cases of inconsiderate or excessive speed in driving; and, without necessarily putting on special police, could not the Act be enforced?
§ Mr. MorrisonI should think so. I would assume that it is the duty of the police to take notice of any breach of the law; and, so far as I know, that is done.