Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport whether he has examined the recent correspondence sent to his Department about the Hay-on-Wye-Clyro Bridge; what remedy he suggests to meet the announcement of the Western Welsh Omnibus Company, Limited, that they will shortly be unable to operate their present vehicles over the bridge; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. BraithwaiteI am aware that the Western Welsh Omnibus Company will not be able to run their new buses across the Hay Bridge because of the existing weight restriction. Reconstruction of the bridge would cost up to £100,000 and could not be authorised in present economic circumstances. Any amendment of the weight restrictions would be a matter for the county council as highway authority. If they are unwilling to increase the weight limit, I can only suggest that Western Welsh buses should stop north of the river leaving passengers to walk 250 yards across the bridge to Hay.