HC Deb 27 March 1935 vol 299 cc1917-8W
Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Minister of Transport what approximate propor- tion of the mileage of the roads from London to Poole, Bournemouth, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Folkestone, Margate, and Southend, respectively, has been placed under the 30-miles-per-hour limit; whether he is aware that this limitation will necessarily decrease the number of motorists who are able to reach these seaside resorts from London; and whether he is aware of the protests made with regard to this aspect of the limit by hotel and catering interests?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The percentages of the mileage by road, measured from the centre of London to the destinations referred to by my hon. Friend, which are restricted, are as follow:

Per cent.
To Poole and Bournemouth 24
Brighton 47
Eastbourne 33
Hastings 38
Folkestone 35
Margate 45
Southend 27

On all these journeys there is from 6 to 13 miles required to get through the built-up London area itself. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the observance of the 30-mile speed limit will put any of these destinations out of the London drivers' reach. On the other hand, I hope that it will have the contrary effect by making the roads more pleasant and less dangerous.