§ 3. Sir R. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made with the review of speed limits referred to in his predecessor's circular of 14th April, 1969; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)Progress varies though some good groundwork has been done in London. We shall be reminding local authorities of the need for more realism.
§ Sir R. RussellHas my hon. Friend considered the possibility of regarding the 70 m.p.h. speed limit as advisory, in view of the difficulty of enforcing it, and not penalising drivers who exceed that speed limit, particularly on motorways, unless they are involved in an accident?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am quite sure that speed limits that are firmly noted on the roads must be enforced and there can be no variation in their application.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckWill the hon. Gentleman do something about speed limits for lorries? Is he aware that on the Ml, along which I often travel to Watford, very long and heavy lorries travel at breakneck speed, leaving no hope for anyone who happens to be in their way?
§ Mr. GriffithsI appreciate the point made by the hon. Gentleman, but had he been in the House some months ago when the necessary order was brought in he would have known that my right hon. Friend has already taken steps to bring heavy lorries under greater speed controls.