Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those London boroughs and metropolitan areas where speed humps have been introduced so far as the information is available to him; and what is the density of distribution of such humps in each case.
§ Mr. FreemanThe decision whether to install speed humps lies with local highway authorities. Information on installations is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has in regard to the numbers of accidents attributable directly to the introduction of speed humps in the Greater London area.
§ Mr. FreemanNone, nor am I aware of any such relationship. Our liaison arrangements with local authorities will alert us should any problem arise in future.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the information he has on the effect on road safety of the introduction of speed bumps in urban areas.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Speed Hump Regulations 1990, making it easier for local highway authorities to instal speed humps, came into effect only three months ago. The prescribed designs are based on extensive research in the United Kingdom and overseas with safety as a key factor. We shall be monitoring their effects.
Slowing traffic down to safe speeds in residential areas will undoubtedly save many lives.