HC Deb 09 November 1972 vol 845 cc1176-7
14. Mr. David Stoddart

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that the police are provided with vehicles capable of dealing with those drivers who travel on motorways, particularly the M4, at speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour.

Mr. Carlisle

The provision of vehicles for police purposes is a matter for police authorities. But I understand that it is not normal police practice to pursue vehicles which are travelling too fast on motorways. The law is enforced in other ways.

Mr. Stoddart

Will the Minister accept that I understand the reasons for what is really a negative answer, and I sympathise with them? But would he not agree that these excessive speeds on motorways are extremely dangerous, and cause much concern to the police? Would he care to comment on reports that there is in London a club of well-heeled louts who travel on the M4 at speeds exceeding 140 m.p.h.? Will he have further discussions with the police as to what other measures can be taken to deal with these dangerous speed lunatics?

Mr. Carlisle

Of course, I wholly agree with the hon. Member that those who travel on motorways at speeds in excess of 140 m.p.h. are being thoroughly dangerous and, indeed, are a severe danger to the public as a whole. In fact, when the hon. Gentleman asks me about the article to which he has referred and says that people are aiming to drive at these speeds on motorways, I would point out to him that are they in danger not only of committing the offence of exceeding the speed limit but, possibly, of committing offences of dangerous driving, driving at a speed dangerous to the public and also, in the terms of the article, taking part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles, which are serious offences.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

The Minister is constantly asking the public to exercise restraint. Is this not an example where Ministers should themselves set an example?

Mr. Carlisle

The Question referred to those who are alleged to drive on motorways at speeds in excess of 140 m.p.h., which is faster than police vehicles are said to be able to go. The hon. Gentleman will realise that we all have a responsibility to obey the law, and I would remind him that that applies to all forms of law and to all parts of the High Court.