§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list by region how many applications were received by the Highways Agency to move abnormal loads on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in 1997 and 1998. [HL2301]
§ Lord WhittyFigures are not available for the number of applications received by the Highways Agency to move abnormal loads on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads. It is estimated, however, that there are some 200,000 such movements each year.
§ Viscount Simonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What policy is adopted by the Highways Agency to ensure that abnormal load movements are planned so as to minimise disruption and delay to other vehicles and road users; and [HL2302]
Whether they are satisfied that the Highways Agency have sufficient powers to restrict abnormal load movements to routes and times which minimise road user delays and disruption;and [HL2303]
Whether they will review the policy of abnormal load movements and strengthen the powers of the Highways Agency to ensure that abnormal load movements only take place at such times and on such routes which minimise road user delay and inconvenience. [HL2304]
§ Lord WhittyThe powers to restrict abnormal load movements to routes and times which minimise road user delays lie with the police. The Highways Agency's responsibilities are limited to advising hauliers of bridges which are unable to carry specific notified heavy loads and advising the police of proposed roadworks on the trunk road network.
The Government are, however, carrying out a review of the legislation on the movement of abnormal loads, and consideration will be given to whether the 104WA Highways Agency should be given more powers over the timing of abnormal load movements.