Spray from Heavy Vehicles

HL Deb 12 January 1999 vol 596 cc71-2WA

Lord Sefton of Garston

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the last research was carried out into the problem of spray on roads: what were the conclusions, if any; and whether they propose to take any action to minimise the dangers caused. [HL317]

Lord Whitty

Initial research in the UK led to a standard of spray suppression equipment being established that has been applied to vehicles since 1986. Further research has since been completed, a summary of which is currently being prepared. The additional research shows that further improvements of equipment is likely to prove difficult because of the problem of accurately quantifying spray and therefore measuring its efficiency.

We, along with several other member states, recognise that spray from heavy vehicles is a problem and consequently will also continue to be involved in discussions between experts in the international arena aiming to minimise the dangers caused.