§ Sir W. Edgeasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the recent damage to the main road between Carlisle and Glasgow caused by a 25-ton lorry carrying a load of 95 tons; whether he can give particulars of this mishap; and whether a claim for the damage has been made against the firm using this heavy vehicle so that the cost does not fall upon the local authorities or the State?
§ Captain WallaceI am informed by the Ministry's Divisional Road Engineer that on the 20th July a vehicle carrying a 95-ton casting on a trailer broke through the surface of the Carlisle-Glasgow Trunk road about seven miles north of Carlisle owing, it is understood, to the uneven distribution of the load; and that the rear wheels of the trailer sank up to the axles. The trailer has not yet been extricated, so that the full extent of the damage to the road cannot be ascertained.
Notice of intention to convey the load was given in the usual way to the local highway authority, who are acting as my agents for this Trunk Road. This notice contained the usual indemnity for damage caused by an extraordinary load, as required by the Order under which the vehicle was moved, and I propose to avail myself of the protection which it affords.