Mr. Speneeasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will change the regulations in order to allow the use of sleeper cab units with trailers in the length range 12 to 18 metres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoramThere is nothing to prevent the use of sleeper cab units on lorries provided that the overall length limits in the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1973 are not exceeded. These limits are 15 metres for articulated lorries and 18 metres for lorries towing separate trailers. The possibility of some increase in the total permitted length of articulated lorries is currently being considered in the EEC as part of wider proposals on lorry weights and dimensions, but we have no plan to change the legal requirements in this country in the immediate future.