§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be able to report on consultations with coach operators to seek to prevent coaches speeding in motorway overtaking lanes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy earlier discussions with the Bus and Coach Council led to the code of conduct which came into effect at Easter 1984. Despite its observance by the majority of coach operators and drivers, the number of coaches exceeding the motorway speed limit remains a matter of great concern. As I told the House on Friday 15 November we have decided that the right way to enforce the 70 mph speed limit on coaches is through a legal requirement that all coaches be fitted with speed governors.
55WI shall also be consulting coach operators, among others, on implementation of this decision, including an adequate timetable.