§ 1. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport to what extent limits have been imposed under his regulations for the weight of vehicles on the road; what is the heaviest at present permitted; and what steps he takes to satisfy himself that all main roads are able to carry this weight without detriment.
§ Mr. BarnesAll mechanically-propelled vehicles in general operation on the roads and trailers drawn by them, except those coming within the motor cycle and invalid carriage classes, are subject to regulations limiting their maximum total laden weight. In nearly every case the maximum weight permitted on any one axle is also prescribed. The ordinary (petrol or diesel) heavy goods vehicle, including trailer if any, is subject to a maximum laden weight of 22 tons which may under certain conditions be increased to 32 tons for a vehicle and trailer if the trailer is fitted with power-assisted brakes.
The highest aggregate laden weight permitted for vehicles in general operation is 62 tons which applies to heavy locomotives and trailers drawn by them, but there are comparatively few of these vehicles in use. The maximum axle weight permitted varies from 6½ to 10 tons according to the type of vehicle; for the 174W ordinary (petrol or diesel) heavy goods vehicle it is 8 tons.
These limits have been fixed with due regard to the general standard of road construction in this country and experience has shown that they are reasonable, subject to the special limitations placed on the use of certain individual roads and bridges.
No maximum laden weight is at present laid down for vehicles specially designed, constructed and used for the carriage of abnormal indivisible loads or for mobile engineering plant, but there are special conditions including an indemnity against damage governing the use of thesevehicles and plant on the road