§ 58. Mr. Boardmanasked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to restrict the transport by road of exceptional loads to the hours between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe police, who are best able to take account of all the relevant local conditions, control the timing of the movements of such loads. We do not feel justified in seeking to alter these arrangements.
§ Mr. BoardmanIs my hon. Friend aware that these exceptional loads are a daily occurrence on the roads to the North-West, making their way from various works to the ports of Liverpool and Manchester? Is he further aware that the maximum speed of many of these vehicles is 15 m.p.h., and that as a consequence hundreds of vehicles are limited to the same speed? Is it not time that somebody did something about this?
§ Mr. SwinglerThis matter is left to the discretion of chief constables, and if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I suggest that he takes it up with the chief constable concerned. If there is anything further that we can do, we will certainly assist, but it is a matter that depends a lot on local circumstances.