§ 112. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give an assurance that he will not permit an increase in the size and weight of goods vehicles.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet reached a decision on the proposal to increase the maximum weight of goods vehicles to 44 tons.
§ Mr. PeytonI have decided not to allow the maximum weight of goods vehicles to be raised above 32 tons. I am primarily concerned that greater efforts should be made to reduce the noise, congestion and pollution which lorries cause, and to improve their ability to operate within the physical limitations of our road system. I am therefore today publishing draft regulations on noise, smoke and engine power. I propose also to allow some change in weight limitations within the maximum of 32 tons to reduce the length of vehicles needed to carry a given load. There will be no increase in size.