§ 5. Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what 1445 representations he has received concerning the length of articulated lorries and other long vehicles in respect of safety aspects.
§ The Minister for Transport (Dr. John Gilbert)None during the last two years.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my hon. Friend aware that articulated lorries and other long vehicles often mount the pavements when they are going round corners and that there has been a marked increase in the number of accidents, particularly to children and cyclists? Will he investigate the situation and, it' necessary, introduce legislation to control the length of such vehicles?
§ Dr. GilbertIf my hon. Friend has particular geographical circumstances in mind, I shall be happy to look into them. He will be aware of existing controls on the length of vehicles. While the number of articulated lorries has been steadily rising over the past few years, the number of accidents in which they have been involved has been falling.
§ Mr. MartenWhat is the position about the EEC draft regulation to increase the weight and length of heavy lorries? Does the hon. Gentleman recall that the House instructed the former Minister to oppose the regulation in the Community? Do the Government feel bound by that resolution, which I think was passed in 1973?
§ Dr. Gilbert.We certainly take notice of the resolution of the House. The difference in length between the EEC limits and ours is only about 20 inches. Clearly there must be a limit to the length of lorries, but I do not think that 20 inches is necessarily a critical difference.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckDoes my hon. Friend realise that these monsters are sweeping across the country in a way which would make stories of Dr. Who look like child's play? Does he also realise that they are polluting the air, ruining our roads and making it very difficult for other drivers to drive? Cannot something be done about it before it is too late?
§ Dr. GilbertI am aware of public concern, which has been so well voiced by my hon. Friend. The question of pollution is another matter which I hope to 1446 look into very shortly. On the involvement of articulated lorries in accidents, which was the subject of the original Question, I can say that per vehicle mile they are involved in far fewer accidents than rigid lorries of the same length.