§ Sir G. BUTLERasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the increasing harm done to the roads, especially in the West Country, by the transit of gigantic vans and lorries; and whether he will state what action he is proposed to take to protect those resident in rural districts from the nuisance and expense involved?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have received representations on the subject from many rural authorities, including some in the West Country. I would point out that the weights and speeds of heavy vans and lorries are limited under the Heavy Motor Car Orders. I might also call my hon. friend's attention to the provisions for the restriction of traffic on specified highways contained in Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act. As my hon. Friend is aware, assistance has been given since 1923 by grants from the Road Fund to enable the more important rural roads, which are carrying heavy motor traffic, to be reconditioned and made fit for such traffic. I am considering what further assistance can be given to rural authorities.
§ Brigadier-General MAKINSasked the Minister of Transport if he is now satisfied that the surfaces of the new roads being constructed by his Department are adequate to carry, even in this hot weather, the heaviest form of existing motor traffic; and whether he has made any recent inquiry into the way the surfaces of these new roads are lasting?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe new roads now in course of construction by, or with financial assistance from, my Department are being built to varying specifications adapted to the different circumstances of each case. General observation is kept upon the results of the work, and I have reason to believe that the surfaces are adequately bearing the strain of traffic.