§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport what actions have been taken by his Department by way of instructions or suggestions to licensing authorities in different traffic areas to promote uniformity in prosecution practice for overloading of heavy vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for West Bromwich, East (Mr. Snape) on 1 February.—[Vol. 53, c. 230.]
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure enforcement of gross weight limits of heavy lorries and limits on axle loadings in accordance with the latest regulations.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe number of traffic examiners has been increased and 45 dynamic axle weighbridges are now in operation. As a result of these measures and of improved efficiency, over 50 per cent. more lorries were weighed in 1983 than in 1981.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport under what authority a number of traffic areas have given written instruction that there shall be no prosecution of vehicle operators unless overloading exceeds 10 per cent. of the legal limit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI shall answer this question shortly.