§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement assessing the initial consequences of increasing the weight limits for heavy lorries; and if he will publish regular reviews of changes in lorry traffic resulting from this change.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe estimate that some 11,000 vehicles are now operating at heavier weights permitted since May726W 1983. It is too early to make an assessment of the effect on lorry traffic and freight activity. We are monitoring the position through our regular surveys, and information will be published annually in "Transport Statistics Great Britain" and "The Transport of Goods by Road".