§ Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Transport if he will announce the starting date for plating and testing of heavier goods vehicles under the Road Safety Act 1967.
§ Mr. MarshExaminations for compulsory plating and testing will start on 1st October, 1968, in England and Wales and on 1st December in Scotland. As I have already announced I am postponing the start from 1st July to allow more time for completion of some of the testing stations and for getting them working smoothly. Regulations about the scheme will be laid before the House this week.
As testing stations are completed they are being opened to give tests on a voluntary basis by appointment so that operators can have experience of the roadworthiness standards needed to pass the test. The testing stations at Ipswich, Norwich, Liverpool (Simonswood), and Preston (Kirkham) are now open and that at Peterborough is opening next week.