HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 cc681-2
12. Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider introducing a campaign for the strict observance by the public of road speed law.

Mr. Moore

I shall continue to campaign for better road safety. Strict observance of speed limits is not necessarily enough. Within the legal limit drivers need to keep to a safe speed for the road conditions.

Mr. Bidwell

Would the Secretary of State and other Ministers agree that there is a dangerous and wanton disregard of existing legal speed limitations? Is it not high time that a campaign was undertaken to make changes? Motorists who try to observe speed limits often feel that they are in a dangerous position with the flow of traffic, which is far too excessive at present. At the same time, it is wrong that there should occasionally be punitive police action. There should be a national campaign, and pretty soon.

Mr. Moore

I cannot disagree with the emotion and attitude expressed by the hon. Gentleman. The regular enforcement of the law is obviously a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and I will draw his attention to the hon. Gentleman's remarks. Clearly, strict observance is a key factor in maintaining the level of quality of safety that we would expect on our roads.

Mr. Higgins

May I again press my right hon. Friend to erect 70 mph signs on an experimental basis on some motorways, especially the M25, so that drivers are constantly reminded of the speed limit?

Mr. Moore

Since my right hon. Friend raised this point, I have examined it and am prepared to consider the idea. At this stage we are testing the "Keep your distance" signs and we want to consider their effect. However, I am prepared to consider my right hon. Friend's point and I am examining it now.