HC Deb 27 March 1974 vol 871 c126W
Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest statistics of the decline in the accident rate, respectively, in Great Britain as a whole and in Sussex following on the introduction of the 50 mph speed limit.

Mr. Mulley

Following are the figures:

Accident rate per million vehicle miles
DECEMBER: ALL SEVERITIES: GREAT BRITAIN
1971 1972 1973* (provisional)
2.19 2.32 2.26

Statistics of road accidents in local areas are a matter for the local authorities concerned. Measurements of traffic mileage are not available for individual counties.

Mr. Spriggs

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent information he has received about the tendency for road traffic to bunch on major roads; and if he will take steps to rescind the 50 mph speed limit in line with other European countries and return the United Kingdom to pre-emergency speed limits forthwith.

Mr. Mulley

As to the first part, none; the habit of many drivers of following too closely behind the vehicle in front is a long-standing and dangerous one. As to the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 21st March to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Bradley). —[Vol. 870, c.150–1.]

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