Faster Goods Vehicles Ministry Proposals Soon
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FROM OUR POLITICALCORRESPONDENT N' speed limits for commercial vehicles are shortly to be proposed by Mr. Marples, Minister of Transport. I understand that, in the near future, these proposals will be circulated to operators' associations and other interested bodies for their comments. The proposals—which are said to affect commercial vehicles other than those drawing trailers—have been considered. by the Minister's departmental road safety committee and approved in principle. Lord Hailsharn announced this during Second Reading of the Road Traffic Bill. some six weeks ago.
Only a few, points described as " stilt under consideration" prevent their circulation for general comment now. If it is decided to introduce the amendments, the alteration will be made by Ministerial Order, and not by way of amending the Act. This means it is virtually certain that commercial drivers will have a "new deal" before the Road Traffic Bill becomes law.
If the limit is pushed up to, say, 40 m.p.h. outside built-up areas, it will also mean that drivers will find it harder to plead there was no danger element involved when -summonsed for speeding under the " three-in-three-years " disqualification clause of the new Bill.
At the same time as these plans are being prepared, Mr. Marples is this week circularizing local authorities throughout the country, asking them to. review speed limits on roads for which they are responsible. This means that on all except trunk roads, local councils are being asked these two questions: Are your existing limits all realistic? Are they all justified?
In addition, the Minister's own review Of trunk road limits is already well under way and several alterations have already been made.
Road limits, as opposed to vehicle limits, have less impact on the Bill, which will shortly go from the Lords to the Commons. But any alterations will make its application easier, and quell misgivings.
I understand that Mr. Marples intends to have his entire new look for speed limits on the roads working well in advance of the Bill becoming an Act some time in the middle of 1962.