3ridge probe
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
WORKING party is to be set up draw up a new assessment As dealing with the problems ,used by existing traffic on ridges.
Announcing this in the Corntons, Transport Secretary avid Howell, said that the code 3uld form the basis of a proramme of repair and reconsuction.
Both the County Surveyors' ociety and the Association of ounty Councils had welcomed le proposal, and were among lose who had agreed to join the 'or k ng party.
The two organisations had 3nt him representations about le damage by lorry traffic to the lder short-span bridges, wealed Mr Howell. But both acepted that under the proosed increase in maximum orry weights, fully loaded lores would not, with some exmtions, cause a greater strain n these bridges than existing affic.
Indeed, studies had shown let in most cases they would use less strain.
Mr Howell added that his Deartment is exploring urgently rith experts from research instiitions and the motor industry that can most effectively be one to identify and reduce any xtra damage done by dynamic xle loads.
But he rejected a suggestion lat heavy lorries resulted in lore highly polished road surIces. There was no evidence to uggest this, he said.
However, the present basis of eavy lorry taxation was to be constructed at the earliest conenient opportunity — the .amework for this change was at out in the Transport Act 1981.