asked the Minister for the Environment the current weight-carrying regulations which apply to haulage lorries; whether he has any plans to review this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Weight-Carrying Regulations.
771.
Maximum permitted gross weight limits in respect of commercial road vehicles in use in this country are prescribed in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963, as follows: 2 axled vehicle, 16 tons; 3 axled vehicle, 22 tons; 4 axled vehicle, 25 tons; 4 axled vehicle (with axle spacing of at least 24 feet), 28 tons; Combinations of vehicles including articulated vehicles, 32 tons. A maximum weight of 10 tons is also prescribed in respect of any single axle.
Proposals relating to the harmonisation of maximum permitted vehicle weight limits are under consideration in the EEC. The matter is due to be considered at a meeting of the EEC Council of Ministers of Transport on 10 June next and the outcome of this meeting is awaited.