§ 87. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to a recently constructed motor-lorry designed to transport loads weighing up to 100 tons; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action to prohibit the use of such vehicles on the roads?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONMy attention has been drawn to tractor-trailers and trailers constructed to carry weights of 100 tons, and even more. These vehicles are locomotives or will be drawn by locomotives within the meaning of the Locomotives Act, 1898, and their speed is limited to four miles per hour in the country and two miles per hour in towns. These vehicles are normally used for the conveyance of single individual articles of great weight, such as transformers, steel castings, etc., which cannot be transported by rail owing to their size. Any damage caused by their use is, under the Locomotives Act, 1898, deemed to be damage caused by excessive weight in respect of which the user is responsible. I am advised that the use of these vehicles for this purpose is essential, and accordingly I do not propose to take any action.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the hon. Member say whether the damage is applicable to the road surface? We know that it is applicable to culverts. This is a most important question for the county councils.