§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Transport what evidence there is that longer heavy goods vehicles of the size desired by many hauliers would be less safe or stable and more environmentally damaging than vehicles at or below the existing maximum size.
§ Mr. FowlerI am aware of only one proposal from hauliers for longer heavy goods vehicles, which is that the maximum permitted length of articulated vehicles should be raised from 15 to 15½ metres. The Armitage report 227W recommends that this proposal should be accepted in conjunction with a new control on the length of semitrailers. The report argues that this would ensure that the additional half metre is used to improve the driver's comfort and facilities, to improve the manoeuvrability of the vehicle, and to provide space for more noise insulation.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Transport if he proposes to raise the limit on the sizes of heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make any such proposal subject to the prior decision of both Houses of Parliament.
§ Mr. FowlerLimits on the dimensions of heavy goods vehicles are discussed in the Armitage report, which recommends a number of changes designed to prevent lorries getting bigger. I have said that the Government will not take any final decisions on the recommendations in the report until there has been time for proper consideration and parliamentary debate.