§ 7. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Works why he will not raise the speed limit for vehicles in the Royal Parks from 20 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour.
§ Mr. EcclesThe Royal Parks are intended primarily for rest and recreation, and I am anxious not to spoil the amenities by increasing still further the noise and disturbance from motor vehicles.
§ Mr. RussellIs my right hon. Friend aware that most vehicles using the parks now disregard the 20 miles an hour limit but keep within 30 miles an hour, and would he not only be legalising what is the prevalent practice?
§ Mr. EcclesIn the last 12 months there have been 1,300 prosecutions for speeding in the parks. It may be that my hon. Friend has been lucky so far.
§ Lieut-Colonel LiptonWould the right hon. Gentleman have a word with the London County Council about this matter so that we may have a uniform speed limit in all the parks in the London area? In Battersea Park, for example, and other London County Council parks the speed limit is 12 miles per hour, and that makes it a little bit confusing for Londoners, and visitors, too.
§ Mr. EcclesMy responsibility is for the Royal Parks only. I could hardly do more than ask the London County Council, but I think they must remain responsible for their parks.