HC Deb 21 July 1959 vol 609 cc1060-1
40. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give figures to show the extent to which super-heavy traffic is now using the bridge across the Tweed at Coldstream.

Mr. N. Macpherson

During the last three months fifty-five abnormal indivisible loads which travelled via Coldstream Bridge were notified to my right hon. Friend's Department.

Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

Is my hon. Friend aware that this heavy traffic is doing a great deal of damage to the Berwickshire roads and that the local authorities are not satisfied that they are being adequately compensated for this extra-heavy through traffic?

Mr. Macpherson

I think my hon. Friend knows the position. My right hon. Friend is prepared to meet the cost of any works specifically required to enable the route to be used by a particular load, but ordinary maintenance can receive only the normal 75 per cent. grant. The road itself, as a Class I road, should be fit to carry these loads.