HC Deb 10 June 1959 vol 606 cc89-90W
18. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has now been able to arrive at a decision about the experimental regulations with regard to the use of motor vehicles on motorways; when it is intended to introduce new and permanent regulations dealing with this matter; and whether, in particular, he has come to a decision about the use of motorways by vehicles carrying abnormal indivisible loads.

Mr. Nugent

We have circulated certain proposals to interested authorities and organisations for comment. When these have been received and examined, we shall reach final decisions about classes of traffic and speed limits on motorways and shall embody them in a new order and regulations to replace the existing experimental Instruments.

Experience gained from the Preston By-pass has led us to the provisional conclusion that the movement of abnormal indivisible loads of up to 14 feet in width could safely be allowed on motorways without special restriction, subject only to the usual conditions of two clear days' notice to the police and the right of the police to divert them to an alternative route when necessary.