§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers he has to require highway 148W authorities to (a) improve class A roads to acceptable standards and (b) restrict the use of class A roads by certain commercial vehicles.
§ Mr. MarksAs regards class A roads other than trunk roads, my right hon. Friend has no powers to require highway authorities to improve such roads. The regulation of traffic using them is, outside Greater London, the responsibility of the county council, and my right hon. Friend's powers of direction are limited to reserve powers under Section 84A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967, as amended by subsequent legislation including the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Control and Regulations) Act 1973, which he may use only in the circumstances described therein.