§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many applications have been made to move abnormal loads on motorways in each of the last five years and how many were accepted; and
How many road traffic police officers were called upon to escort abnormal loads on motorways in each of the last five years; what man hours were involved and what is the estimated costs of these operations.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)Applications to move abnormal loads of up to108WA 150 tonnes are made to the chief officer of police for the force area concerned. The precise information which is required is not available centrally.
§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What submissions they have received from the Association of Chief Police Officers regarding the use of police manpower escorting abnormal loads on motorways rather than on crime prevention and detection; and
What representations have been made by individuals and organisations objecting to police escorts of abnormal loads on motorways during the day and whether consideration is being given to moving abnormal loads during the night.
Earl FerrersThe Association of Chief Police Officers has submitted proposals for reducing the scale of police manpower used in escorting abnormal loads on motorways. The Government and the association are working together to develop those proposals.
Representations have been received from local authority associations and members of the public. Consideration is being given to improving the night time movement of abnormal loads. In the meantime chief officers of police have been encouraged by their association to consider the provision of night escorts where resources allow it, subject also to their being satisfied on the issues of road safety, routing and proper vehicle lighting.