HL Deb 08 December 1969 vol 306 cc283-5
LORD MOYLE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what they propose to do to restrict the alarming increase in the number of both large and heavy vehicles on our major and minor roads which is becoming a serious danger to other road users.]

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, in order to make the movement of goods in the heavier and larger vehicles as safe as possible to other road users. Her Majesty's Government have recently taken a series of measures; namely, the introduction of an annual test of commercial vehicles, the reintroduction of heavy goods vehicle driving licences and the forthcoming institution of operators' licensing. The first of these is directed to the improvement of the maintenance of the vehicle fleet, and the other two measures will further increase road safety by excluding operators and drivers who do not reach the required standards. We should give these measures a chance to work before calling for further restrictions.

LORD MOYLE

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether there is any truth in the report that the Government are contemplating permitting a further increase in the weight, size and length of heavy vehicles, not merely on the motorways and trunk roads but even on the secondary roads?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, proposals by the industry for increasing the gross weight of goods vehicles are now under consideration by Her Majesty's Government. I cannot give any indication of when a decision will he arrived at.

LORD MOYLE

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he will press the Government to give serious consideration to the growing unrest among road users other than heavy vehicle drivers?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, I am wed aware of the unrest among motorists. On the other hand, I am certain that my noble friend will agree that we are now in the latter part of the 20th century, that we need to earn our living, and that the movement of goods is an important factor in our ability to do so.

LORD MOYLE

And so, my Lords, is human life.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, is the Minister aware that it is not only other road users who are endangered but the fabric of our ancient towns and villages? Is it really a sign of being alive to the requirements of the 20th century to destroy such places as York?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, the noble Lord is quite correct; all these factors have to be taken into account. But the local authorities have power even to-day to restrict the movements of vehicles if they are causing harm.

LORD POPPLEWELL

My Lords, would my noble friend do everything possible to promote the view that these heavy loads that are cluttering up our highways should be encouraged back to different methods of transport—to rail or to waterway? There is an overwhelming need for this. For many years the general idea has been to get traffic on the roads. Will my noble friend discuss with his right honourable friend the possibility of reversing that trend and getting back to alternative means of transport?

LORD SHEPHERD

I agree with my noble friend that we should see that goods are moved by rail as much as possible.

BARONESS EMMET OF AMBERLEY

My Lords, could the Minister tell me whether the question of the protection of the wheels of heavy vehicles with proper flaps during wet weather is being considered? I asked a question about this some time ago and I was told that inquiries were being made. I should like to know whether any conclusions have been reached.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, that is clearly in the realm of safety. I will certainly see that that point is considered by the appropriate committee.

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