40-tonnes on the way, warns Booth
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WARNING that Britain might be forced to allow some 40-tonne ries on the roads has come from Shadow Transport Secretary, )ert Booth.
lAr Booth was speaking after ansport Secretary, David well had told him that Junior ansport Minister, Lynda alker, had told fellow Comm Market transport minister December 16 that Britain uld not accept vehicles loaded more than 38 tonnes on either mastic or international jourvs.
VIr Howell added that he ped the European Commis41, which wants a common 40Ine lorry throughout the corn nifty, would consider a British ggestion that the directive be drafted to allow member. ites to decide the ranges of lights and dimensions. Or, it the directive take the form model rules rather than a indatory requirement.
VIr Booth told Commercial )tor: "I am a bit alarmed by s answer. I think it means that assurance which Mr Howell ye in the debate to increase ry weights to 38 tonnes could overtaken by the directive, which could impose conditions insisting that Britain must accept 40-tonne lorries for international journeys.
Mr Booth said the government had weakened the United Kingdom's case against 40tonne lorries by agreeing to introduce 38-tonne lorries.
If ministers had stuck to the existing 32.5-tonne limit they would have been in a far stronger position to insist on derogation. It would now be easier for the Commission to turn round and say that it was reasonable for Britain to accept 40-tonne lorries, especially as drawbar trailer weights were being increased.
Nevertheless, Mr Booth said he hoped that the Government would be successful in fighting off the directive.
Had he been Minister, he would have cleared it with the European Commission before giving a firm assurance to MPs that 38-tonne lorries would be the maximum allowed on British roads.