§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the regulations to allow traffic commissioners to take into account suitability of the immediate local road network before determining a heavy goods operators licence application.
§ Mr. KeyA licensing authority is able to take into account the suitability of the junction of an operating centre with a public road, and also the suitability of any private road between the operating centre and the public road. The suitability of any public roads in the vicinity is a matter for the local highway authority. In determining whether an operating centre is environmentally suitable, however, the licensing authority may also take into account the local environmental effect of vehicles travelling to and from the operating centre. We have no plans to change this.