HC Deb 08 July 1976 vol 914 cc668-9W
Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken to explain to overseas visitors to the United Kingdom present temporary speed limit Regulations.

Dr. Gilbert

Visitors to foreign countries are generally expected to inform themselves of the legal requirements that apply to them. I am, however, considering whether suitable notices about speed limits might be displayed at ferry ports. The major car ferry companies operating in British ports undertook in 1974 to broadcast multilingual announcements about the speed limits currently imposed in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue instructions for all "derestricted" traffic signs to be covered on roads where they do not apply, by reason of the temporary speed limit Regulations.

Dr. Gilbert

Since 1965, when the national speed limit of 70 mph was introduced, the "derestricted" signs have marked the transition from urban to national limits. The arrangement is familiar to drivers, and the temporary speed limits do not affect it.

Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now review the operation of the present temporary speed limits.

Dr. Gilbert

The temporary 50 and 60 mph speed limits will be reviewed before the present order expires at the end of November.