HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc424-5
40. Mr. Graham Page

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the imposition of a 40 miles per hour speed limit has reduced the number of personal injury road accidents on roads previously without a speed limit and on roads where there was previously a 30 miles per hour limit, respectively; and if he will relate the figures of his answer to the several categories of road users.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Hay)

From a sample survey in the London Traffic Area the Road Research Laboratory concludes that on roads previously without a speed limit personal injury accidents were 19 per cent. fewer than would otherwise have been expected. On roads previously subject to a 30 m.p.h. limit the number of accidents was not significantly affected by the change.

There was no significant difference between the results for different classes of road user.

Mr. Page

As these speed limits really do, as my hon. Friend said, reduce accidents, will he ask our right hon. Friend to do a little propaganda to this effect instead of sending out circulars to local authorities telling them, in rather an anti-speed limit tone, to review the speed limits?

Mr. Hay

I do not accept the interpretation which my hon. Friend places on the circular which the Ministry has recently issued. We have neglected no opportunity of drawing the attention of all road users to the importance of keeping to speed limits because of their road safety value.