HL Deb 19 November 1998 vol 594 cc182-3WA
Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is necessary for goods vehicle operators, when working within Construction and Use Regulations at 44 tonnes gross weight, to notify the highways and bridge authorities when using bridges limited to 38 tonnes. [HL3847]

Lord Whitty

No. It is not necessary to notify highway and bridge authorities in these circumstances.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the broad definition of the HB45 bridge standard; and whether it is intended that the entire motorway system should be designed, built, maintained and operated to this standard. [HL3848]

Lord Whitty

The 45 HB standard is a large, but artificial lorry, weighing 180 tonnes. The standard provides for all vehicles permitted under the Road Traffic Act 1988—Special Types General Order (maximum gross weight 150 tonnes). Since 1961 all motorway bridges have been designed to carry the HB standard.

Since that date there have been a number of further improvements in bridge standards generally. Bridges carrying the motorway network not meeting the current standards are being strengthened both to accommodate the 40-tonne lorries to be introduced on 1 January 1999 and where there is a shortfall in meeting the 45 HB load.