HC Deb 14 March 1994 vol 239 c509W
Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the criteria for restricted HGV taxation class to exclude all vehicles with a plating certificate; what are the reasons for these plans; and if he will ensure that no amendments are made until the next licence renewal or the end of 1994 whichever is the later.

Mr. Key

The restricted HGV taxation class is for vehicles with no plated weight. After April 1994 and only when current licences expire, a small number of vehicles which have been issued with a plating certificate specifying a plated weight but which are currently exempt from plating and testing will, on legal advice, be excluded from the restricted HGV tax class.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to narrow the criteria for heavy and light locomotives and motor tractors, as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988, in relation to the equipment that may be carried, to qualify for showman's concessionary HGV licensing class; what are the reasons for these plans; and if he will allow a phasing in period to allow showmen and others to adapt their vehicles to meet the Department's new criteria.

Mr. Key

There are no plans to change the definitions of a heavy or light locomotive or a motor tractor in the Road Traffic Act 1988. For the purposes of the Road Traffic Act none of these vehicles, by definition, is designed itself to carry a load—though a crane, a dynamo or welding plant or other special appliance or apparatus which is an essentially permanent fixture, is not regarded as a load. Under the Vehicle Excise Act, if operated by a travelling showman, they should be licensed in the showman's haulage tax class, or else, if carrying any of the equipment mentioned above—which would, for vehicle excise purposes, be considered goods or burden—the showman's HGV tax class.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action is being taken to avoid potential danger to the public through usage of under-strength bridges by coaches which exceed the current United Kingdom weight limit.

Mr. Key

The Department has a clear enforcement policy in respect of coaches and other vehicles which do not comply with current weight restrictions in the United Kingdom. The safety and protection of the public is fundamental to this policy.