HC Deb 24 January 1974 vol 867 cc1885-6
22. Sir John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many summonses have been issued against drivers for exceeding 50 miles per hour since this limit was established as a fuel-saving measure.

Mr. Carlisle

During the period 8th to 31st December 1973 the police in England and Wales reported 4,674 drivers for consideration for prosecution for this offence.

Sir John Hall

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that, although the great majority of drivers are observing the limit, there is an increasing number of thoughtless and possibly selfish drivers who are exceeding it? Does not that indicate that the law is not being enforced with sufficient severity?

Mr. Carlisle

Enforcement must be a matter for the individual chief officer of police. I ought to point out that inevitably there is a period of delay between the referral of a matter for consideration for prosecution and the issuing of a summons. It is difficult at this stage, therefore, to say what the position is.

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