§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will launch a campaign to discourage heavy goods vehicles from using the overtaking lane on motorways; [12305]
(2) if he will institute an investigation into the prevalence of heavy goods vehicles using the overtaking lane on motorways. [12304]
§ Mr. BowisWe have no plans for a specific campaign. The Department's publicity priorities remain the "Kill Your Speed" and the drink drive campaigns which address those areas where the greatest savings in life and injury are to be gained.
Goods vehicles, currently those having a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes, have been banned from using the overtaking lane on motorways since 1966. This is in the "Highway Code" and other publications. Enforcement is a matter for the police.
§ Mr. AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents have been caused in the last year by heavy goods vehicles using the overtaking lane of motorways. [12291]