HC Deb 04 February 1977 vol 925 cc468-70W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if the continuing practice of 50 mph and 60 mph speed restrictions following the oil crisis is still designed to save fuel;

(2) if he now plans to discontinue the speed restrictions temporarily introduced during the 1973 oil crisis.

Mr. Horam

The limits were introduced in 1974 primarily as a fuel economy measure and have been continued on that basis. We are now considering the replies to a consultation letter about their future and expect to make an announcement before Easter.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is his estimate of the number of lives saved and serious accidents prevented as a result of the current speed restrictions imposed in 1973 during the oil crisis;

(2) if he has any evidence to show that the current 50 mph and 60 mph speed restrictions have caused any additional serious and fatal accidents.

Mr. Horam

The accident rate in fact declined following the introduction of the limits; but it is not possible to say how far it was due to them and how far to other factors.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the equivalent speed limits on rural single carriageway roads, dual carriageway roads and motorways in each of the following countries, expressed in miles per hour: (a) each EEC country, (b) Spain, (c) the United States of America, (d) Norway, (e) Sweden, and (f) Portugal.

Mr. Horam

Following is the information:

Belgium:

  • 56 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 75 mph motorways.

Denmark:

  • 56 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 68 mph motorways.

France:

  • 56 mph single carriageways.
  • 68 mph dual carriageways except motorways.
  • 81 mph motorways.

Germany:

  • 62 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 81 mph motorways (advisory).

Ireland: 60 mph single and dual carriageways.

Italy:

  • 62 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 75 mph motorways.

Luxemburg:

  • 56 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 75 mph motorways.

Netherlands:

  • 50 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 62 mph motorways.

United Kingdom:

  • 50 mph single carriageways.
  • 60 mph dual carriageways.
  • 70 mph motorways.

Spain:

  • 68 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 81 mph motorways.

United States of America:

  • 55 mph single and dual carriageways and motorways.

Norway:

  • 50 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 50–56 mph motorways.

Sweden:

  • 43 mph single carriageways.
  • 56–68 mph dual carriageways and motorways.

Portugal:

  • 50 mph single and dual carriageways.
  • 62 mph motorways.