Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made any progress in the study of the track costs and vehicle excise duty rates of vehicles used to move abnormal loads.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA report "Goods Vehicles in Restricted Tax Classes: 1986" covering the work of vehicles involved in the movement of abnormal loads has been published by the Department today. A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library. The report shows that there are about 400 "special type" motor 687W vehicles (generally with specialised trailers) which are used to move abnormal indivisible loads—very heavy, wide, or long. On average these vehicles cover about 16,000 miles (26,000 km) per year and have an average axle weight of over 9 tonnes when loaded. We estimate that this means they impose, on average, at least the same wear and tear on the roads as a standard 38 tonne articulated vehicle. However, the vehicle excise duty for a "special type" is £130 per year, compared with £3,100 for a five-axle 38-tonne vehicle. We are looking at how this new evidence might affect the allocation of road tract costs, with a view to ensuring that all vehicles are treated in the same way.