§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the growing practice of large and very often dangerous loads of merchandise sometimes insecurely packed being driven on the roads in the large cities at peak travel periods; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these loads are safe and secure on lorries and as far as practicable travel at off-peak periods in the interests of safety and the prevention of road congestion.
Mr. Bob BrownThe use at any time of a vehicle with a dangerously insecure load is already an offence for which the police can and do prosecute.
The police also exercise their powers, when appropriate, to control the timing of those movements of exceptionally large indivisible loads of which they are required to be given advance notice.
Control of the timing of movements of large goods vehicles generally in city centres is a matter to be dealt with, if the circumstances warrant control, by the local traffic authorities concerned.