§ Mr. Bessellasked the Minister of Transport what comparative study has been made of the effect of the 70 miles per hour speed limit on motorways with similar speed limits in the United States 117W of America; and whether such a study has taken into account the differences in the average cubic capacity and construction of motor cars in the United States compared with the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CarmichaelNo comparative study has been made. However, on the basis of information from the United States Bureau of Public Roads, the Road Research Laboratory has compiled figures relating speed limits and accident rates on American Toll Motorways. These figures show that on such roads with 80 m.p.h. limits the accident rate in 1965 was some 37 per cent. higher than on those with 70 m.p.h. limits, and the death rate was nearly three times as high. Obviously, there are important differences between conditions in America and in this country, but even granted these, the comparison is a significant one.