§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the United Kingdom's obligations to allow 40 tonne lorries onto the roads after 1 January 1999 apply to lorries other than those involved in carrying international traffic; [41900]
(2) what plans he has to allow 44 tonne lorries onto United Kingdom roads; [41899]
(3) if he will ensure that drivers of 40 tonne lorries will be required to demonstrate to enforcement officers that they are engaged in an international journey by producing appropriate documentation. [41901]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe obligation to allow 40 tonne, 5 axle lorries on UK roads from 1 January 1999 applies only to international movements. We are considering whether or not 40 tonne vehicles should also be allowed for domestic movements and will announce the outcome in the White Paper on Integrated Transport. Enforcement issues will be taken into account in reaching our decision. 44 tonne, 6 axle vehicles have been allowed in the UK since 1994 for certain road/rail movements. We are considering whether or not to allow any wider use of these vehicles and will announce the outcome in the White Paper on Integrated Transport.