§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what standards are required from the British Waterways Board in maintaining road traffic carrying bridges in its ownership; and what changes are anticipated in those standards.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeBridges carrying highways and owned by the British Waterways Board must, unless special provisions are made, be maintained at least to a load bearing standard as provided for in section 117 of the Transport Act 1968. By 1979 the load carrying capacity of these bridges was assessed as part of "Operation Bridgeguard". As a result, where necessary, restrictions, strengthening or re-construction was required. No changes to this standard are proposed.