§ Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated cost of replacing or strengthening the road bridges that will be put at potential risk by the EEC proposals for increased axle and gross weights permitted for lorries.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Department's published evidence to the Armitage inquiry explains in detail why the EEC draft directive on lorry weights gives rise to a potential risk to road bridges in this country, and what amendments would be needed to the directive so as to reduce or eliminate entirely the possibility of additional damage to road bridges. The Department will be providing the inquiry with further information on the costs of reconstructing bridges if that were to prove necessary and this information will be published.