HL Deb 09 April 1935 vol 96 cc665-6WA
THE EARL OF COTTENHAM

asked his Majesty's Government whether, a thirty miles per hour speed limit having been introduced in spite of the appropriate statistics contained in the Minister of Transport's Report on Fatal Road Accidents, 1933, thus discrediting such statistics, the Minister of Transport has power under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, shortly to exempt from observance of the speed limit all motorists able to produce satisfactory police and insurance records over a past period of years, permitting them instead to carry a distinguishing mark on their cars when driving which shall be subject to suspension upon conviction and involve severe penalties for unauthorised use; thus encouraging good driving by creating a promoted class and assuaging the feelings of injustice, bitterness and annoyance now unnecessarily occasioned in the minds of thousands who have driven immense distances safely for many years.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

Apart from other considerations, the Minister of Transport has no power under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, to take the action which the noble Earl suggests.