HC Deb 24 July 1963 vol 681 cc1455-6
20. Mr. S. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to ensure that no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation for compliance with the law.

Mr. Marples

I do not think it is practicable to lay down or enforce a general requirement such as my hon. Friend suggests. I will consider, however, whether the point can be suitably incorporated in the next revision of the Highway Code.

Mr. Digby

Will my right hon. Friend look at this again? Is he aware that the wording of the Question is exactly the wording of the law which is enforced in over 20 American States. If it is found possible to enforce it there why cannot we?

Mr. Marples

We cannot adopt everything which is adopted in every other foreign country.

Mr. Strauss

As the Minister introduced legislation which was passed by this House laying down the minimum speeds for vehicles on the roads, will he tell the House whether he intends to implement that law? Has he any plans?

Mr. Marples

I want to implement it, but first we should get our roads into a condition where the implementation could be enforced.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Will my right hon. Friend try to deal with the terrible problem of goods vehicles and old motor cars which crawl up hills at 5 miles an hour and hurtle down at 50 miles an hour? Can he do something about that?

Mr. Marples

All the Ministers of Transport in Europe have considered this matter at various times. Sooner or later I think there will have to be a decision in which the power-to-weight ratio of goods vehicles will be settled.