HC Deb 24 June 1959 vol 607 c138W
74. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport with regard to common standards concerning weights and dimensions and payload rules for road vehicles.

Mr. Watkinson

The standards which countries can safely adopt on their roads vary from country to country and the European Conference of Ministers of Transport is studying this complicated problem because all its members have not been able to adopt a common standard. The study is continuing, but I am unable to say when it will be completed.

75. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made on the drafting of a European highway code by the European Conference of Ministers of Transport.

Mr. Watkinson

This work has been undertaken by the Economic Commission for Europe. The Commission has decided to study particular subjects before attempting to draft a comprehensive code, and agreement has already been reached on an International Manual on Car Driving and a European Agreement on Road Markings. The United Kingdom has assisted in the drafting of the Manual and is a party to the Agreement.