Written question asked by Ian Stewart (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 February 2001. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 1 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when 44 tonne lorries will be allowed to operate generally in Great Britain. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Ian Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when 44-tonne lorries will be allowed to operate generally in Great Britain. [148632] Mr. Hill: The necessary Regulations (Statutory Instrument SI 2000 No. 3224--The Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) (Amendment) Regulations 2000)-- will come into force on 1 February. The regulations will allow certain types of lorry to operate at up to 44-tonnes maximum weight in Great Britain. The lorries in question must have six axles, a maximum axle weight of 10.5 tonnes and Euro 2 low emission engines. These vehicles will result in a considerable saving in lorry miles where heavy goods are being carried and will be no bigger, and cause less road wear, than existing 40-tonne, 5 axle lorries.

Secondary information