§ MR. WILLIAM KESWICK (Surrey, Epsom)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that during the winter of 1903–4 the ratepayers of Epsom urban district were put to the expanse of £2,500 in an endeavour to keep in repair one road used for heavy locomotive traffic; and whether, in view of the evidence before the recent Departmental Committee on Heavy Motor Traffic as to the number of roads in the United Kingdom unable to bear the strain of these loads, and of the increase in the cost of upkeep of main roads in Surrey in 1904 as compared with 1903, ascribed by the county surveyor to the increased locomotive and motor traffic, he will issue an addendum to the Heavy Motor Regulations which come into force on the 1st March giving local highway authorities the same powers over roads as those conferred upon bridge-owners.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I am aware that complaints have been made of damage by traction engines to roads in the Epsom urban district. I do not understand that these engines were, vehicles which would come under the regulations to which my hon. friend alludes, and I do not think that the evidence before me would justify my giving the highway authorities the same powers with respect to roads as those conferred with respect to bridges on persons liable to repair them.