§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding a reduction in maximum lorry weights from the proposed 40 tonnes to 38 tonnes.
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§ Mr. David HowellI have received various representations for and against our proposed changes in maximum lorry weights. These have shown considerable strength of feeling about allowing vehicles as heavy as 40 tonnes on our roads. It has been put to me that the 38 tonne lorries on five axles in the Government's proposals would do 20 per cent. less damage to the roads than the existing 32.5 tonne vehicles on four axles they would largely be replacing.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the comparative road damage factors of existing 16 tonne maximum delivery lorries, compared with a five axle 34 tonne lorry and five axle 38 tonne lorry.
§ Mr. David HowellRoad damage factors for these vehicles, in terms of standard axles per 100 tonnes of payload, are as follows:
Factor 2 axle 16 tonne rigid lorry 11.9 4 axle 34 tonne articulated lorry 11.5 5 axle 38 tonne articulated lorry (2 axle tractor) 8.1