§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents over the most recent period for which figures are available have(a) involved or (b) been caused by lorries carrying loose bulk loads; and how many (i) deaths and (ii) serious injuries have been caused as a result of spillage of loose bulk loads.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe information is not available. The Department does not record causes of accidents. Cause is often disputed or unclear.
The Department does have available the following figures taken from police reports of personal injury accidents:
In 1987, there were 246 accidents in which a dislodged vehicle load in the carriageway was recorded. In these accidents there were 334 casualties, of whom seven were killed and 78 seriously injured.Heavy goods vehicles were involved in only 86 of these accidents, which resulted in 135 casualties, including four fatalities and 42 serious injuries.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received any representations from people directly or indirectly damaged as a result of spillage from lorries carrying loose bulk loads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWe are aware of 14 such representations during the last five years covering a widely differing range of incidents.
It is important for lorry loads to be properly and safely secured. Drivers should follow carefully the guidance set out in the code of practice "Safety of Loads on Vehicles" prepared jointly by the Department, the road transport associations, vehicle and equipment manufacturers and the police.
It is also important to avoid diesel spillage which causes severe danger to motor-cyclists.