HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 c26W
Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Minister of Transport under what circumstances she requires evidence of 200 per cent. overloading before permitting major improvement of a trunk road; and whether she will relax this requirement in the case of trans-Pennine roads, in view of the frequent blockages in adverse weather on these roads.

Mr. Swingler

Of course a trunk road need not be overloaded by 200 per cent. before a major improvement can be carried out. The extent of overload is an important factor in the selection of schemes for my right hon. Friend's trunk road programme, but it is only one of a number of factors which have to be taken into account, including special geographical circumstances of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member.