§ 7. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Transport what reports she has received on increased cruising speeds of less powerful private cars as a result of the 70 m.p.h. speed limit.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. John Morris)The Road Research Laboratory does not distinguish between powerful and less powerful cars. It appears that the increase in the number of cars travelling between 60 and 70 m.p.h. corresponds to the number that used to exceed 70 m.p.h.
§ Mr. DigbyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that an increasing number of drivers are treating the maximum speed limit as a kind of minimum, and that bunching results, causing multiple accidents? Is there not a real point here?
§ Mr. MorrisThere is no indication that people are increasing their speeds in order to achieve the legal maximum. If that is the implication of the hon. Gentleman's question, one would have expected a decrease in the number of cars travelling at lower speeds. That does not occur.
§ Mr. RankinIs my hon. Friend aware of the correspondence which I have had with him and with his right hon. Friend on this matter? As for the way in which the 70 m.p.h. limit is being ignored, on the M4 out to London Airport it is now the minimum. Does he not realise that something must be done to deal with this menace?
§ Mr. MorrisThe information that I have is that the limit is very well observed.