DTP tucks up councils
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE DEPARTMENT of Transport has given local authorities a reminder to use their lorry control powers.
A circular has been sent to all councils asking them for the latest list of orders they have introduced to restrict lorry routes under the Dykes Act.
Transport Under Secretary Reg Eyre, told MPs that information was being sought from local authorities to update the figures given to the Armitage Inquiry.
The Government does not require councils to tell it what orders they have made; ministers have come under a lot of pressure from groups like the Civic Trust to reveal just how much use is being made of the powers.
But with Transport Secretary, David Howell, still trying to persuade rebellious Tory backbenchers of the need to allow heavier lorries on the roads, the latest circular is also meant to be an encouragement to local authorities to take advantage of the powers available to them to impose more controls on the routes heavy lorries can use.