HC Deb 13 May 1964 vol 695 cc423-4
25. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of his efforts to reduce the number of road accidents, he is satisfied that the regulations governing the speeds of lorries and other heavy vehicles on all roads are both adequate and effective; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Galbraith

We are satisfied that the speed limits applicable to goods vehicles are suitable for the purpose for which they are intended: namely, setting maximum speeds which the vehicles concerned should not exceed on normal roads even when conditions are favourable.

Mr. Smith

Would my hon. Friend agree that a special degree of responsibility is called for in the driving of any vehicle which is heavier than a car and that every day one can see flagrant examples of misuse of that responsibility by a minority, but nevertheless dangerous minority, of lorry drivers? Does he think in all the circumstances that the speed regulations are all that realistic?

Mr. Galbraith

My right hon. Friend has no information about whether the regulations are not being generally complied with, but he is putting in hand a study to try to get that information.

Captain Litchfield

Does my hon. Friend recall that in reply to a Question of mine last year his right hon. Friend gave figures which showed that a lorry was involved in every other fatal accident on the roads at that time? Does he not agree that some of these accidents are due as much to the lorries being stopped or going very slowly as to their going very fast? Does not this draw attention to the need for inspection of the lorries and good lighting at the rear?

Mr. Galbraith

The accident record of drivers of lorries and commercial vehicles on the whole is as good as, if not better than, that of any other type of driver.