HC Deb 12 February 1981 vol 998 cc403-4W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek to make it compulsory for all lorries over 10 tons to have their speed limit reduced to 45 mph by the installation of a "governor" system in order to lessen the damage to roadside property and other road facilities and pipes.

Mr. Fowler

The precise effects of lorries on such things as underground pipes are difficult to assess. There is certainly no evidence that they are the main cause of damage. But since the facilities concerned are in any case mostly situated in built up areas where traffic speeds are already below 45 mph I see no advantage in requiring the fitting of speed governors.