Lorries must move in 'trains,' says MP
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• Commercial vehicles are now dominating the motorways and should be compelled to move in "lorry trains" Mr William Edwards, Labour MP for Merioneth claims.
He has tabled Commons questions to the Minister for Transport Industries, Mr John Peyton, asking that lorries be confined to slow lane on motorways.
"I do a lot of mileage on motorways," said Mr Edwards. "They have now become practically unusable by the average motorist in all but the fast lane," he said.
"The second lane has become a most harassing lane to drive in because of big lorries pulling out to overtake. This is particularly the case on the MI.
"There is no doubt that the heavy lorry is a major factor in most motorway accidents causing damage or injury. They are dominating the motorways."
Mr Edwards, a solicitor, said he used to act for road hauliers. "When motorways were introduced road hauliers were balancing the time factor against the maintenance factor of excessive speed on motorways and were unsure whether the motorway was an attractive proposition."
He felt this might be a factor in their reaction to any proposal for lorry trains.
"I know the concept of lorry trains has been considered by the Minister and I think this would be a practical proposal." said Mr Edwards.