§ Mrs. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to seek to reduce noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorries using narrow roads in built up areas;
(2) whether he will introduce legislation to extend compensation for excessive noise levels to residents living in narrow streets and roads subject to noise, dust and vibration from lorries carrying industrial loads; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNew noise limits for lorries were agreed in the European Community in 1984 (as set out in column 419 of theOfficial Report on 22 October 1984). The limits are to be made compulsory from the earliest dates permitted by the directive. Current regulations require loads to be so secured that they are not likely to cause nuisance by being blown from the vehicle. The Department's code of practice gives detailed advice on this. Local authorities already have—and make extensive use of—powers to control the routeing of lorries in built-up areas. A study of the effects of traffic vibration on buildings is nearing completion. We shall consider the implications of the report as soon as it is available.
In the light of all the measures taken to mitigate the environmental effects of lorries, we are not convinced that it would be appropriate to go for an extension of current rights to compensation.