§ 37. Mr. Darlingasked the Minister of Transport what proposals he now has for introducing new speed limits on main approach roads to London and other large urban areas.
§ Mr. MarplesI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson) on 12th May.
§ Mr. DarlingThat was an Answer to a Question put down for a Written Reply. Therefore, may I ask the supplementary questions which the Minister avoided by adopting that method? How is it intended to enforce the new speed regulations when the present regulations—for instance, the 40 m.p.h. speed limit on many approach roads to London—are ignored by a large number of motorists because there are no policemen around to see that they are enforced? Is the Minister aware that the Home Secretary said this morning that the police forces of the country are about 12,000 under strength? What is the point of introducing new speed limits if they cannot be enforced?
§ Mr. MarplesThis is an experiment on 150 miles of trunk roads. I think it is in the right direction. We have had a meeting with all the chief constables concerned and they promised to take all the measures they can to enforce the speed limit. The question of enforcement is actually one for the Home Secretary and not for me.