HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 c827W
Mr. Waller

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bridges on the A1 trunk route are unable to carry 40-tonne lorries.

Mr. Atkins

In November 1987 we announced a programme of assessment and strengthening of bridges on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads to ensure that they can carry modern heavy lorries. This programme is continuing. It is too early to say how many, if any, of the bridges on the A1 require strengthening.

Mr. Waller

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has given any indication in the European Community Council of Ministers that the United Kingdom will move towards 40-tonne lorries on its roads before 31 December 1998 if it becomes practicable to do so.

Mr. Atkins

Last month the EC Transport Council agreed 31 December 1998 as the date when the deregulations from EC road vehicle weights will end. We undertook to use our best endeavours to advance this date as far as practicable. We have suggested that an addendum reflecting these statements at the Council meeting be made to the minutes of the meeting.