Lobby resists pressure for heavier lorries
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THE STRONG environmental lobby in Parliament is concerned that the Government may modify its stand against the introduction of heavier lorries on British roads because of the oil crisis, and will be additionally watchful for any signs of Ministerial weakening in the new Parliament.
Minister for Transport Mr Fred Mulley, like his predecessor in the previous Government, Mr John Peyton, has steadfastly opposed the introduction over here of the EEC's higher gross and axle weight limits.
After the recent meeting of European Transport Ministers in Luxembourg, which decided that Britain should get 272 EEC permits in 1975 compared with 227 this year, Mr Mulley made it clear that the Government stood firm on its decision not to change the limit.
Nevertheless, in view of the energy situation, the strong case to he made up for the greater economy of the heavier lorry, and the pressure being exerted both in the EEC and by the road haulage industry in Britain, Parliamentary environmentalists believe that considerable vigilance will be necessary.