HC Deb 10 June 1959 vol 606 cc973-4
44. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if, in view of the growth in the number of goods vehicles on the roads and the anticipated further increase, he will increase the number of officers engaged full-time on enforcement of the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts relating to goods vehicles and public service vehicles.

Mr. Nugent

The complement of full-time traffic examiners for enforcement is 100, of whom 95 are in post. In addition 17 driving and traffic examiners are now engaged on enforcement work. This number will be increased to 50 as soon as possible.

Mr. Davies

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that he has always given the undertaking that there will be an increase, and that the increase does not take place to any extent? Does he also recall that when I last raised this matter he said that the number of offences was increasing in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road? Does the hon. Gentleman still believe that the staff of 100 enforcement officers is sufficient to cope with those offences?

Mr. Nugent

I do not agree that there is an increase.

Mr. Paget

Does the hon. Gentleman take the view that motoring offences are inclined to increase in proportion to the number of traffic police?

Mr. Nugent

No. I think the reverse is the case.