HC Deb 27 January 1970 vol 794 cc1196-7
25. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Transport if he will institute an inquiry into the speeds achieved by lorries and other heavy vehicles on motorways and other main roads, in view of the increasing number of accidents involving such vehicles.

Mr. Mulley

The accident involvement rate for heavy vehicles on motorways and main roads combined shows a downward tendency in recent years.

I see no grounds for a special inquiry into the speeds achieved but speed checks will continue to be made from time to time.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Nevertheless, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, increasingly, one can see really heavy vehicles charging along at 60 miles an hour or more whereas a few years ago they were restricted to 20 miles an hour? Is he further aware that many motorists regard this as a real hazard and look to the Ministry to take further action?

Mr. Mulley

The question of enforcement is, I repeat, a matter for the police. In the last five years the number of prosecutions for the offence of speeding in heavy goods vehicles has nearly doubled. If I were to endorse the hon. Gentleman's view about a 20 m.p.h. limit for heavy goods vehicles now—the limit is 40 m.p.h. on all-purpose roads—I should be attacked by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) for being down on the road haulage industry. I hope that hon. Members opposite will see the difficulties.

Mr. J. T. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these criticisms are not only directed against the speed of these heavy vehicles but against their ever-increasing size as well? Is it not time that the Government or those responsible for determining policy put a limit on the constant extension of size of these great juggernauts, particularly those which are articulated and jackknife on innocent motorists like myself and others?

Mr. Mulley

I am sure that the House is pleased to see my hon. Friend the Member for Westhoughton (Mr. J. T. Price) so well recovered from his unfortunate road accident, just before Christmas. I think, however, that he is perhaps not fully informed of the very strict limitations on size and weight, and I have not made any increases. There are other Questions on the Order Paper about proposals for increases in size and weight and I had better wait until we reach them before making further comment.