§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to encourage the use of air suspensions on heavy vehicles to reduce the harmful effects on roads and bridges.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are circulating proposals to increase the permitted weight on each axle of a triaxle of a semi-trailer from 7.5 tonnes to 8 tonnes provided that air suspensions or other equivalent fluid suspensions are fitted. This will allow more flexibility in load distribution and reduce the likelihood of overloading axles. The maximum weight of articulated vehicles remains at 38 tonnes.