§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will allow the running of coaches to a weight limit of 18 tonnes while retaining the existing rear axle load; what maximum tyre load is permitted where the front axle tyres fitted are standard 156 rate; and what assessment he has made of the extent to which that effective load distribution is ensured in those circumstances.
§ Mr. KeyNo. The maximum load for a tyre with load index 156 is four tonnes. Correct load distribution, which is critical to ensure axles are not overloaded, is largely determined at the initial design of the vehicle when axle weight limits are set by the manufacturer in compliance with legislation. These weights are enforced by the vehicle inspectorate at weighbridge and other checks.
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§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the possibility of allowing coaches with a weight limit of 18 tonnes to use a limited network of trunk roads and motorways where the strengthening of bridges is not required.
§ Mr. KeyI have considered the possibility of permitting certain operations, including motorway coaches, to be allowed higher weights. Until the bridge assessment programmes currently being carried out by my Department and local authorities are completed there remains the problem of feeder roads to motorways. Few journeys can be completed entirely on motorways and it is difficult to envisage how a scheme for higher weights on motorways alone could be effectively enforced to protect potentially vulnerable roads.