§ Sir Peter FryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy in the period until the end of the derogation, to allow the UK coach industry to operate up to 18-tonne vehicles which comply with the 10.5 tonne rear axle limit. [6769]
§ Mr. Watts[pursuant to his reply 2 December. Official Report, column 475]The Department of Transport will shortly be issuing a consultation document looking into the feasibility of allowing coaches to operate at 18 tonnes with a 10.5 tonne maximum drive axle weight. Pending the results of this consultation no decision will be made on whether or not to permit such an increase.