HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc381-2
22. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on what grounds and for what reasons he has decided not to impose speed-limit restrictions in the areas where they are not likely to be observed by motorists.

24. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether persistent disregard of the 30 m.p.h. speed limit by motorists is sufficient in itself to persuade him to end the limit on any stretch of road.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

If the 30 m.p.h. speed limit is to command the willing acceptance of the community, its application must, in general, be limited to roads where the need for it is clearly demonstrable. Each case is, however, considered on its merits having regard to traffic and road conditions, the character of the district and the accident record.

Mr. Keenan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason for this Question is to ask an explanation from him, because last week his Parliamentary Secretary said: We do not believe any useful purpose would be served by imposing a speed limit restriction in areas where it is not likely to be observed by motorists."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th May, 1954; Vol. 527, c. 2076.] Is the Ministry to allow the motorist to dictate whether there will be speed limits or not by not observing the Regulations, because that is what is involved here?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. But I think we all agree that the concurrence of good citizens is very valuable in the enforcement of a law. We ought to be chary of doing things which good citizens think unreasonable. When the 20 m.p.h. speed limit did not work it was scrapped in 1930. I think it is important that we should be reluctant to impose a 30 m.p.h. limit where good citizens think it can properly be disregarded.

25. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what local representations and evidence he has received for and against the imposition of a 30 m.p.h. speed limit on the stretch of Bristol Road South, Birmingham, between the Austin Motor Works and Rubery.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have received representations from the city council, the chief constable and groups of local residents and parents that the speed limit on this stretch of road should be reimposed. There has been no occasion for inviting representations in the opposite sense, but one or two local residents have supported the continuance of derestriction.

Mr. Chapman

In view of the almost unanimous demand for the imposition of this speed limit, including a demand by representatives of about 18,000 workers in the factory next to the road, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation so that we may discuss this matter further?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am quite prepared to receive a deputation led by the hon. Gentleman if he wishes, but we must bear in mind that to impose a speed limit for 24 hours day and night in order to help over the difficult period of shift working would also be unreasonable.

Mr. Chapman

Is it not the case that a speed limit is imposed for 24 hours everywhere where one is imposed, and that it is to cope with the peak demand that a speed limit is most necessary?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I will see the deputation.