§ Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on the 21st November a 20-ton tank locomotive was being conveyed by heavy lorry from London to North Ormesby, and that on arrival near Sadberge Village the weight of the locomotive caused the wheels to sink in to a depth of about two feet and that all efforts to move the lorry under its own power have failed, the road, meanwhile, being completely blocked; what is the maximum limit to the weight of an article that may be conveyed by road for long-distance traffic; and what steps he is taking to prevent similar accidents in future?
§ Mr. BurginI am aware of this incident which, I understand, occurred on a journey from Sacriston to North Ormesby. There is no maximum limit to the weight of an abnormal, indivisible load that may be taken by road, but if the limit exceeds the maxima allowed for normal vehicles it can be carried only on a vehicle of special type, and subject to conditions laid down by the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) Order (No. 1), 1937. So far as I am aware, the provisions of this Order work on the whole satisfactorily, and I do not think that this isolated occurrence provides any ground for an amendment of the law.