No Date for Testing Heavies
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R. FRASER gave no estimate of the IVA time it will take to bring in a comprehensive scheme for annual testing of goods vehicles when questioned in the Commons this week. He pointed out that he had asked for comments on annual tests and for plating and added: "I intend to press on as quickly as possible."
Opposition transport spokesman, Mr. Enoch Powell, asked if the Minister would deal with annual testing separately from Construction and Use Regulations. Talks with operators, manufacturers and unions were going on, replied Mr. Fraser, and he understood that fully effective annual testing would require amending legislation.
Mr. Ernest PopplewelI (Labour, Newcastle West) said that testing was an urgent necessity. The spot checks carried Out had shown it was essential that heavy vehicles had to be kept in a roadworthy state.
DOCKS ACCESS THE question of road access—" a eery important point "—was being thoroughly gone into during the Ministerial review of delays at the docks, said the Prime Minister this week.
He made this point in the Commons, after the Liberal leader, Mr. Jo Grirnond, had asked how much truth there was in the allegation that goods which could be accepted by other ports were being sent unnecessarily from the Midlands and the north of England and Scotland on "over-congested roads" to the south of England.
No Tax Exemption NAR. JOHN DIAMOND, Chief SecrelY1 tary to the Treasury, this week turned down a suggestion that rural delivery services serving elderly country folk in remote areas should be exempt from the increased petrol tax.
Other Points R. FRASER said in the Commons he IVI was making good progress with the arrangements for the study of the co-ordination of the transport services and he hoped to be ready to make a statement soon.
He also intends to authorize the use of red triangle warning signs by drivers to. indicate temporary obstructions "as soon as practicable". He said that draft regulations had been circulated to the appropriate organizations and their comments were now being considered. He added that the review of rear lighting requirements for vehicles was still proceeding. As soon as he was satisfied that changes ought to be made amending regulations would be prepared.