§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to prevent heavy goods vehicles causing excessive water spray on motorways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are strongly in favour of action to combat this problem.
New trailers have had to be fitted with spray-reducing devices since May 1985 and new lorries since April 1986. Research is continuing into ways of achieving even greater improvements.
Britain is pressing for the early agreement of the European Commission's draft directive on anti-spray devices. This is necessary if the United Kingdom is to continue to require anti-spray devices after the completion of the single European market.
Drivers could significantly reduce the nuisance of spray to others, by driving more slowly in wet weather.