§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prosecutions there were of motorists and other vehicle drivers on the M1 motorway in the years 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 for offences other than exceeding the speed limit;
(2) how many prosecutions there were of motorists and other vehicle drivers on the M1 motorway in the years 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 for exceeding the speed limit.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganThe statistics available, which do not differentiate between offences on the Ml, M10 and M45 motorways, are as follows:
NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS Speeding offences Other road traffic offences 1964 … … Figures not available — 1965 … … 59 3,773 1966 … … 381 4,803 1967 … … 796 5,689 1968 … … 1,009 8,421 The length of the M1 motorway increased considerably during the period above referred to. Prior to 22nd December, 1965, the only vehicles subject to a speed limit on motorways were those drawing two-wheeled or close-coupled trailers.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what advice he has issued to the various police authorities concerned as to the way they operate on the M1 motorway, the deterrent action they take in adverse weather conditions and the numbers they employ in maintaining reasonable road discipline at all times;
(2) what liaison his Department has with the various police authorities over the operation of warning lights on the M1 motorway; and what guidance his Department gives as to when these lights should be switched on;
(3) whether he will state the conditions, other than after an accident has occurred, when the warning lights on the M1 motorway should be switched on.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganPolicing the motorways, including decisions about the use of hazard warning signs, are matters 161W within the discretion of the several chief officers of police concerned, though there are standing arrangements under which they meet together, and with the Home Office, to consider concerted measures and general policy. On the M1 motorway complex at present, 16 motor patrols are maintained in fine weather by day and 10 by night; and the numbers are increased in adverse weather or traffic conditions.