§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what consideration he has given to the financial and environmental benefits of increasing weight limitations on heavy goods vehicles;
(2) what plans he has to increase weight limitations on heavy goods vehicles.
§ Mr. KeyWe are considering the responses to a consultation paper we issued on a proposal to increase the maximum gross weight to 44 tonnes for six-axle articulated lorries and drawbar trailer combinations carrying goods to and from railheads. Some respondents have argued that there are benefits in allowing such a weight increase more widely. The financial and environmental factors are among those that we shall take into account in coming to a decision.