50. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the recent transport by road of a 30-ton tank-landing craft for 440 miles from Ayr to Chatham at 2 m.p.h. until it collided with a double-decker omnibus in Railway Street, Chatham; and what action he proposes to take to prevent obstruction of traffic and danger to other road users by loads of this sort.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Gurney Braithwaite)I understand that the craft concerned was despatched to meet an urgent request for rescue work in the Thames and Medway areas during the recent floods. The movement of specially bulky or heavy loads is governed by the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order, 1952, which, in the interests of road safety, requires notice to be given to highway and police authorities and other safeguards. I consider that the requirements of the Order, which were complied with in this instance provide reasonable safeguards for other road users.
Mr. VaneWill my hon. Friend look again into his "reasonable safeguards," because seven people were injured when this vehicle collided with the double-decker bus? Will he look again at the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order to see whether it is really wise, at a time when our roads are rapidly deteriorating, to allow ever increasing numbers of heavier and heavier vehicles?
Mr. BraithwaiteThis craft was required for rescue work, and it was important to get her through as soon as possible.
§ Mr. BottomleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the last recorded 13-week period five people were killed and 207 injured in the Medway towns? Does this not emphasise the need for the Rochester by-pass road?