§ 14. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will authorise proposals from local authorities to raise the speed limit from 30 to 40 miles per hour on suitable stretches of road in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayA circular letter was issued in August last drawing the attention of local authorities in Scotland to the powers available under the Road Traffic Acts to impose speed limits of 40 m.p.h. and indicating that I would welcome the raising of the limit where-ever appropriate. So far one application 955 of this nature has been received. My officials are hoping to discuss the speed limit status of particular lengths of road with certain authorities in the near future.
§ Mr. StodartCan my right hon. Friend say whether local authorities have been made aware of the Report by the Departmental Committee on Road Safety, that where this experiment has taken place on suitable stretches of road in the London area there has been no increase in the accident rate?
§ Mr. MaclayYes, I think that that information has been made available, but I will check and make certain that it is.