§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research is being done by Her Majesty's Government, 39W or by Her Majesty's Government in conjunction with commercial interests, into the reduction of lorry noise by improved engine design; what maximum decibel level he hopes to achieve; and if he will make a statement on the progress in this field.
§ Mr. PeytonMy Department is sponsoring a research and development project for a commercially viable quiet heavy vehicle. I hope eventually to see reductions of about 10 decibels (A Scale).
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have been instituted against heavy lorry operators under the 1960 regulations for the control of engine noise.
§ Mr. PeytonRegulations were introduced in 1968. There were 28 prosecutions between 1968–72.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the probable cost of repairing damage to highways and bridges, etc., if the permitted weights and lengths of lorries were increased as proposed by the EEC.
§ Mr. Peyton£200 million over 10 to 15 years for additional maintenance and strengthening of the main road network.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations exist for control of the height of road goods vehicles; how this compares with continental practice; and if he is satisfied with the present arrangements.
§ Mr. PeytonThe answer to the first part of the question is, none; to the second, there is a general EEC limit of four metres; and to the third, I am prepared to accept the proposed four metre limit but have suggested that domestic traffic be excluded.