HC Deb 10 December 1975 vol 902 cc196-7W
Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any representations from local authorities preparing local control plans under the Heavy Commercial Vehicles Act 1973 that current economic and financial problems are making their tasks in this context more difficult.

Dr. Gilbert

A local authority association, in a recent letter to the Department, has referred to having received representations from one local authority about the implications of lorry planning for highway expenditure. The association itself has made representations about the timing of implementation of the Heavy Commercial Vehicles Act 1973, with reference to the national economic situation and to decisions on national lorry routes.

Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of local authorities with traffic management responsibilities is now actively preparing draft heavy lorry control plans in their localities prior to full implementation of the Heavy Commercial Vehicles Act 1973.

Dr. Gilbert

I do not have information in this form. Preparation of the proposals is a local authority function. Authorities are aware of the requirements of the Act, and that in England and Wales their first draft traffic orders must be made by 1st January 1977.