§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in 1975 (a) how many wide and / or heavy loads were transported under police escort, (b) how many companies were involved, (c) how many applications to move such loads were refused by his Department and (d) if any changes are being contemplated in the regulations governing the movements of such loads.
§ Dr. GilbertIt is for the police to decide in each instance whether or not they need to escort any particular abnormal load. Information about the number of loads escorted in 1975, or the companies involved, is not readily available. The movement of vehicles and their loads which are more than 14 ft. wide or weigh more than 150 tons must be authorised by this Department. During 1975, 6,890 movements were authorised and 148 applications were refused. I am reviewing the arrangements under which abnormal loads are moved.