§ 26. Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to make temporary speed limits on motorways mandatory.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to make the temporary advisory speed limits on motorways mandatory; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyNo. There is no evidence that mandatory speed limits are any more effective than temporary advisory speed limits even where these are used in circumstances where the need for reduced speeds is immediately apparent. My hon. Friend the Minister of State has written to my right hon. Friend the Member for Worthing (Mr. Higgins).
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is intending to issue new guidelines regarding speed and driving attitudes to users of the fast lane on motorways.
§ Mrs. ChalkerFull guidance already exists in the highway code and the Department's manual "Driving"; it is regularly supported by widespread publicity. The messages are simple: "keep to the speed limits; use the correct lane; keep your distance". Drivers are advised that the third lane is for overtaking only and should be referred to as the overtaking lane and not by any other name.