§ Mr. Snapeasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list in the Official Report details of the changes in maximum lorry weights and speeds since 1964 and the dates those changes were made operative;
(2) if there has been any change in his policy towards the introduction of the 40-tonne lorry;
(3) what is his Department's policy towards the introduction of the 40-tonne lorry.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyIn 1964 heavy rigid and articulated lorries were restricted to 40 mph on all roads, including motorways. The limit was raised to 60 mph on motorways in 1971 and to 50 mph on dual carriageways in 1984.
Heavy rigid lorries towing trailers (drawbar trailers) were limited to 30 mph on all roads including motorways in 1964. The limit was raised to 60 mph on motorways in 1971, and in 1984 to 50 mph on dual carriageways and to 40 mph on other roads.
The maximum permitted weight for articulated lorries, 32.52 tonnes in 1964, was raised to 38 tonnes in 1983. The weight for rigid lorries was raised from the 1964 limit of 190W 28.46 tonnes to 30.49 tonnes in 1972. Rigid lorries towing a trailer (drawbar trailers) remain at the 1964 limit of 32.52 tonnes.
It remains our policy not to accept 40-tonne lorries in this country before our roads and bridges have been strengthened as necessary. Acceptance then would be subject to the approval of Parliament.