HC Deb 30 November 1925 vol 188 cc1819-20
64. Mr. HARRISON

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing burdens of local authorities occasioned, especially in the upkeep of unclassified roads, by the widespread use of motor vehicles, he will consider introducing legislation at a future date to limit both the size and weight of motor vehicles and the compulsory use by those vehicles of pneumatic tyres?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

Limits are already imposed upon the size and weight of motor vehicles, and the question of the revision of these limits will be considered in connection with the Bill relating to road vehicles which I hope to introduce. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that it would not be practicable to make the use of pneumatic tyres by all the heavier types of road vehicles compulsory.

Colonel DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the prohibition of very heavy road vehicles over roads that have been freshly done up?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think that arises out of this question.

Major CRAWFURD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of classifying as Class I roads every road over which permission is given for motor-omnibuses to run?

Colonel ASHLEY

If the hon. and gallant Member will give me particular instances, I will look into the matter.

Captain W. SHAW

Will the Minister undertake to make an Order prohibiting vehicles of a certain width on certain narrow roads, and not leave it to the local authorities to pass these regulations, so that it might be universal throughout the country and not the hotchpotch arrangement that it is now?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not agree with my hon. and gallant Friend that it is a hotchpotch arrangement. It is simply a question of local self-government. If local people want certain roads to be restricted, I hold an inquiry, and if I consider they have made out their case, I grant their application.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Is it not possible to increase heavily the licence that has to be paid for those vehicles that have not got pneumatic tyres?

Mr. B. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a Committee sitting on this question, and when will the House have the Report of this Committee?

Colonel ASHLEY

In due course.