§ 14. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to amending the axle-loading requirements for heavy goods vehicles; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerExpert advice is that the present plated limits are set at the maximum consistent with safety. I am ready to consider evidence to the contrary.
§ Mr. HuckfieldI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he content that there is no case for a possible reexamination of the margins of this legislation, particularly in view of some of the unnecessary difficulties which this is apparently causing to operators? Will he undertake to have a further look at the problem?
§ Mr. WalkerI think there is a danger in having a tolerance level, as is suggested, because the maximum of the tolerance level tends to become the norm.
§ Mr. SpriggsI thank the Minister for his statement about the safety aspect of loading. Would he also take into consideration the damage which is being done to road surfaces by these heavier vehicles and loads?
§ Mr. WalkerThis is one of the reasons why the Government declined to agree to heavy lorries on our roads.