§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the continued high death rate on the roads he will consider reducing the speed limit in built-up areas where the roads through towns and villages are particularly narrow and making it compulsory for omnibuses, etc., to slacken speed when passing a vehicle which is stationary, putting off and taking on passengers.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerApart from the specific speed limits imposed in built-up areas or at particular times, it is a general obligation of all drivers never to exceed a speed which is safe in the circumstances. Apart 767W from the difficulties of enforcing special reductions of the existing speed limits, I fear that the result might be to weaken the general responsibility of drivers. The Highway Code enjoins on drivers that they must take special care when they are passing a stationary vehicle or any other form of obstruction which prevents a clear view of pedestrians or oncoming traffic, but I doubt whether a regulation such as my right hon. Friend suggests would be effective in practice, or would be likely to further the object he has in view.