BUKIT TIMAH ROAD (Speed Restriction)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Communications and Works if he will state the reasons why the 30 m.p.h. speed restriction continues to operate on long stretches of the dual carriageways of Bukit Timah Road.

Mr Francis Thomas: As indicated in my reply to an earlier question on the same subject to the hon. Member, the power to impose and cancel speed limits lies with the Commissioner of Police and the City Council or the Rural Board as the case may be. It was the opinion of the Commissioner of Police that the speed limits in all rural areas should be examined and he had a representative committee appointed to advise him. The committee has concluded its deliberations and has made recommendations. In so far as the Bukit Timah Road is concerned, the Commissioner of Police is now seeking the agreement of the Rural Board to delimitation of the areas proposed by the Committee. When this agreement has been received, the existing speed restrictions will be amended forthwith.

Mr John Ede: Sir, is the Minister not aware that the speed restriction along Bukit Timah Road has been honoured in the breach for over a year?

Mr Francis Thomas: I think my reply to that is the same as it was to a similar supplementary question on a previous occasion.