§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what evaluation he has made of the dangers of driving on narrow, winding, rural roads and the possibility of reducing speed limits on such roads. [29593]
§ Mr. HainThe Department has not undertaken any formal evaluation but, together with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, we have commissioned extensive research on road safety and the particular problems on rural roads. This shows that few drivers exceed the national speed limit in these areas, and that accidents tend to be the result of speed which is inappropriate for road conditions. Local Highway Authorities already have powers to lower speed limits on roads where appropriate.