§ Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made with his review of the regulations governing the relationship between goods vehicle weights and axle-spacing.
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§ Mr. PeytonI have reached substantial agreement with the associations of goods vehicle manufacturers and operators on a revised schedule, copies of which are being placed in the Library of the House. The schedule will form the basis of amendments to the Construction and Use Regulations, which I will shortly circulate in draft to interested organisations for comment. The proposals do not involve any increase in present dimensions, in axle weight limits or in the 32 ton gross weight limit. I have ensured that the requirements of bridge safety are observed. The changes should therefore allow more economical vehicle design and transport of goods without adverse effects on the highway system or on the environment.