§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Minister of Transport if she is aware of the public concern about the increasing number of lorries with abnormally wide or long loads; whether she is satisfied that the existing width limit of 14 feet is appropriate, having regard to present traffic densities; whether present regulations ensure that police get sufficient warning from lorry owners about their intention to convey abnormal loads; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SwinglerThe movement by road of heavy and large loads, for example those more than 14 ft. wide or more than 90 ft long, has to be authorised by my Department and is normally only permitted for indivisible loads for which movement by sea or rail is impractical. There has been no significant increase over the past two years. The 14 ft. width was laid down after consultation with all the interests concerned to strike a balance between traffic requirements as a whole and the need of industry.
The amount of warning notice provided by the current regulations is kept under continuous observation.