§ Sir Peter FryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will end the UK derogation to EU coach weight legislation. [6765]
§ Mr. WattsI do not intend to end the United Kingdom derogation to European Union coach weight legislation.
§ Sir Peter FryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of installing(a) double glazing, (b) air-conditioning and (c) retarder on the axle weight of a coach. [6770]
§ Mr. WattsNo assessment has been made of the impact of installing double glazing, air-conditioning or retarders on the axle weight of a coach.
§ Sir Peter FryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received on the presence of 18-tonne continental coaches on UK roads. [6766]
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§ Mr. WattsI have received no information about the presence of 18 tonne continental coaches on UK roads.
§ Sir Peter FryTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy in the period until the end of the derogation, to allow the UK coach industry to operate up to 18-tonne vehicles which comply with the 10.5-tonne rear axle limit.[6769]
§ Mr. WattsThe Department of Transport will shortly be issuing a consultation document looking into the feasibility of allowing coaches to operate at 18 tonnes with a 10.5 tonne maximum drive axle weight. Pending the results of this consultation a decision will be made on whether or not to permit such an increase.