HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc403-4
33. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has received from the police and local authorities, and what steps he proposes to take, in regard to the danger to the public, damage to property, noise and pollution caused in the built-up areas of Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Pudding Lane, Chigwell, and High Street, Ongar, by tankers and other heavy traffic.

Mr. Peyton

The only proposals I have received are for relief routes for Ongar. The Department has offered to discuss their priority with the councils concerned.

Local traffic authorities have powers to regulate traffic on grounds of danger, damage or amenity.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that but for the postal strike many more representations would have been received through the post? Now that we have a Department of the Environment, has there been any change in the authorities which have the power to re-route heavy traffic which is doing damage in the way my Question suggests?

Mr. Peyton

Any representations that my hon. Friend or his constituents make to my Department will, of course, be very carefully considered.