HC Deb 22 July 1959 vol 609 cc1259-60
18. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is yet in a position to make a statement about increasing the speed limit for cars towing light trailers.

38. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will now make a statement about an increase in the speed limit for light goods vehicles.

Mr. Watkinson

I circulated to representative organisations proposals to increase from 30 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h., outside built-up areas, the speed limits of the larger public service vehicles and of light goods vehicles having an unladen weight not exceeding 30 cwt. Replies from these organisations raised a number of considerable difficulties and showed no unanimity. I have, therefore, decided that I should not, at present, proceed with either of the proposals. So long as light goods vehicles continue to be restricted to 30 m.p.h. I have also come to the conclusion that no change should be made in the existing speed limit for motor cars drawing light trailers.

Mr. Wall

Will my right hon. Friend give this matter further consideration because, with the modern roads being built today, and modern engineering methods, surely the 30 m.p.h. speed limit is archaic for light trailers such as those used for carrying dinghies? If my right hon. Friend ever had to tow a dinghy on the A.1 road from here to York he would see how frustrating it can be.

Mr. Watkinson

I understand my hon. Friend's difficulties. Quite frankly, I should like to make a move on this, but we must get larger agreement than we have on the matter. I will certainly keep it under study.