§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport what review has been undertaken of progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the Armitage inquiry on lorries and the environment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyWe continue to make good progress in implementing the package of measures endorsed by the House in November 1982. Fifteen new bypasses were added to the trunk road programme in May bringing the total number now in planning or under construction to 160. New requirements for rear underrun protection, sideguards and noise limits have been brought into force. Work is continuing on further noise reduction and on spray suppression. Enforcement of the law on overloading has been stepped up; the number of traffic examiners has been increased and 47 dynamic axle weighbridges are now in operation. I expect the momentum to be kept up in 1984.