HC Deb 22 July 1964 vol 699 c82W
58. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give an assurance that in amending the regulations relating to the use of vehicles on footpaths for maintenance purposes, arrangements will be made to ensure that modern apparatus such as the Blaw Knox Mini Paver will be permitted to be used for laying and maintaining bituminous footpaths in all cases where a specific request has not been made by the appropriate gas board that the gas mains under the pavement are of ancient construction or laid at a shallow depth and must not be subjected to such loads; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Marples

Draft amending regulations which have been prepared would permit the use of heavy equipment on footpaths not laid over gas mains. Where there are gas mains underneath a footpath the local authority would be required to consult the area gas board before using such equipment.