HC Deb 18 December 1984 vol 70 cc129-30W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of accidents on non-built up roads with (a) speed limits of 60 mph and (b) speed limits of 70 mph in each case where there is no street lighting.

Mrs. Chalker

In 1983 the total costs of accidents in darkness on unlit non-built up roads with a speed limit of 60 mph is estimated at about £200 million. The equivalent figure for such roads with a 70 mph speed limit is £44 million.

These figures comprise resource costs and an allowance for pain, grief and suffering.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of non-built up roads come under his jurisdiction; and if he will give the figures for those with speed limits of 50 mph, 60 mph and 70 mph respectively.

Mrs. Chalker

The proportion of non-built up roads in England that are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State for Transport was 6.2 per cent. at 1 April 1984.

Of these roads 1.5 per cent. had a speed limit of 50 mph, 49.5 per cent. had a speed limit of 60 mph and 49 per cent. had a speed limit of 70 mph.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of accidents on non-built up roads with a speed limit of 50 mph where there is no street lighting.

Mrs. Chalker

In 1983 the total cost of accidents in darkness on unlit non-built up roads with a speed limit of 50 mph is estimated at about £3 million.

The figure comprises resource costs and an allowance for pain, grief and suffering.