§ 41. Mr. CLARRYasked the Minister of Transport what measures it is proposed to take in respect of the restrictions on vehicles on certain bridges under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, Section 30, in order to mitigate hardship and avoid serious dislocation of both through traffic and the transport of road-rolling equipment?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)In deciding upon what date to bring this Section into operation, I shall not overlook the considerations to which my hon. Friend draws attention, and on certain points I am still in discussion with the bridge authorities. Meanwhile, I may perhaps draw his attention to the fact that, when the Section is brought into operation, a bridge authority must give 28 days' notice of their intention to restrict the use of a 1528 bridge, and that a right of appeal to me is given to any person or body of persons aggrieved by a restriction and to any highway authority in whose area the bridge is situate.
§ Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEIs it my hon. Friend's intention to see that alternative routes are available before these bridges are closed?
§ Mr. STANLEYMy primary consideration, of course, must be the question whether the bridges are safe for traffic.
§ Mr. CAPORNDoes the Minister contemplate that he will be in a position to deal with the appeals within the 28 days?
§ Mr. STANLEYYes, Sir.