HC Deb 14 June 1988 vol 135 cc131-2W
Mr. McCrindle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next proposes to meet the general manager of the Dartford tunnel joint committee; and if on that occasion he will discuss the case to escort tankers through the tunnel in view of the delay this occasions to other traffic.

1 Peak charges apply at Glasgow and Edinburgh to international air transport movements over 10 metric tonnes departing Friday to Sunday inclusive, 1 May to 30 September 1988.

Heathrow and Gatwick
(Applies to all aircraft operated with a maximum authorised weight in excess of 5 metric tonnes)
Airport and time period Domestic International
£ £
Heathrow
Peak: 1 April-31 October 5.50 11.05
Peak: 1 November-31 March 5.00 n/a
Off-peak 1.45 1.45
Gatwick
Peak 4.70 9.52
Off-peak 1.45 1.45

Mr. Peter Bottomley

[pursuant to his reply, 7 June 1988, c. 455–56]: The answer should have included the following end paragraph. The need for escorting will continue in view of the large number of such vehicles which use the tunnels. The Health and Safety Executive supports this view. But the provision of a new bridge, which the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Bill would authorise, will further reduce delays from this cause to northbound traffic and eliminate them altogether for southbound traffic.

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