§ Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware that on 17th November an eight-wheel tanker went out of control whilst descending Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, and crashed into the town centre causing damage and personal injury; and what steps he proposes to take to amend his regulations to ensure that heavy goods vehicles are at all times in a roadworthy condition.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe regulations already provide that heavy goods vehicles shall, at all times, be in a roadworthy condition.
Regulation 73 of the Motor-Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1955, requires that every motor-vehicle and all parts and accessories of such vehicle shall at all times be in such condition that no danger is caused, or is likely to be caused, to any person on the vehicle or on a road; and that no motor-vehicle shall be used for any purpose for which it is so unsuitable as to cause, or be likely to cause, danger. Regulation 76 requires every part of every braking system and the means of operation thereof, and all steering gear fitted to a motor-vehicle, to be maintained at all times, while the vehicle is used on the road, in good and efficient working order and to be properly adjusted.