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Speed limits reach Commons debate

10th February 2005
Page 6
Page 6, 10th February 2005 — Speed limits reach Commons debate
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Tory shadow Transport Minister Christopher Chope has added his support to CM'S 'Pushing 50' campaign.

Jennifer Ball reports.

TORY MP Christopher Chope has weighed in with his support to Commercial Motor's 'Pushing 50' campaign by attempting to add an amendment to the government's Road Safety Bill.

In an hour-long debate in Parliament Chope urged the government to consider raising the limit, arguing that trucks have become safer, their braking has become more efficient and the quality of single carriageways has increased significantly.

He also pointed out the danger of driver frustration, highlighting the fact that while in the past it was possible to overtake trucks on single carriageways with ease, increasing congestion means it is now virtually impossible to overtake any vehicle at busy periods. The result is that HGVs often find themselves generating frustration among a lengthening queue of car drivers.

However, Transport Minister David Jamieson remained adamant that the current speed limit is correct. He told Parliament that the 40mph speed limit for HGVs on single carriageway roads exists for a purpose:"Even with the technological advances in braking systems and tyres 1 1GVs take longer to stop than cars travelling at the same speed.

-Whereas an HGV travelling at 40mph could pull up in time to avoid hitting a car travelling at 60mph which was stopping in an emergency. an HGV driver is unlikely to do so if his vehicle is travelling any faster."

But Chope insists that support is gathering for CM'S campaign. He says the government has no objec tions in principle but is relying on the fact that there is no hard evidence to show that accidents are caused by trucks travelling at 40mph rather than 50mph: "We need to find evidence to prove this whether it is examples of comments made at inquests or using examples of what happens overseas to help carry the campaign forward before the Road Safety Bill goes to the House of Lords."


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