HC Deb 05 March 1929 vol 226 cc196-7
37. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the damage now being done to house property by heavy transport, he will consider legislation to limit the size and weight of vehicles using the public roads?

Colonel ASHLEY

I would refer by hon. Friend to the answer given on the 13th November last to the hon. Member for the St. George's Division of Westminster (Mr. Erskine), of which I am sending him a copy.

Sir A. KNOX

Is it not possible, pending legislation, for my right hon. and gallant Friend to issue regulations limiting the size of these "Dreadnoughts"?

Colonel ASHLEY

All vehicles on roads are strictly limited as to size.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Could not my right hon. and gallant Friend in towns put something in the nature of a speed limit on these heavy vehicles with solid tyres?

Colonel ASHLEY

The law is that the local authorities can apply for speed limits, and then, after a local inquiry, the Minister can, in certain localities, if he so thinks fit, impose a special speed limit.

Sir A. KNOX

Is it not possible for my right hon. and gallant Friend to insist that the local authorities carry out their duties?

Colonel ASHLEY

Certainly, but the duty to which my hon. Friend refers is the enforcing of the speed limit, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.