§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will evaluate the potential savings in road maintenance and construction costs which might result from a lowering of the maximum permitted axle weight.
§ Mr. EyreA reduction in the maximum permitted axle weight would result in a saving of about £5 million per annum in road maintenance and construction costs for every 1 per cent. fall in the standard axle miles run by goods vehicles. This would be offset to the extent that extra operating costs would be incurred by the additional vehicles necessary to carry the same amount of freight.