Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 2008.

Vehicles: Speed Limits

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 3 June (WA 50) concerning speed limits on road vehicles, whether the Answer took account of environmental issues and the contribution of speeding to road deaths.

Answer: Vehicle construction standards are set Europe-wide. Speed limiters for heavy trucks and large passenger vehicles were introduced throughout the EU because their accident involvement on most high-speed roads is greater than that for cars, and the consequences of such accidents tend to be severe. Restricting car and light van top speeds would not address inappropriate speed on other roads—for example, in 30 mph areas—where the accident rate is higher than that of motorways. This is tackled through road-safety publicity, emphasising the role of speed and how accidents occurring at higher speeds are more likely to kill. Enforcement measures such as safety cameras and road engineering measures such as traffic calming also play a key part. Analysis for the climate change programme review included estimates relating to fuel savings and CO2 reduction if all traffic always observed the 70 mph limit on motorways and dual carriageways.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4093; 702 c162WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Vehicles: Speed Limits
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Environment protection Motor vehicles Safety Roads Speed limits Speed governors
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk