DOT rejects Lords plan for 44 tonnes
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by Karen Miles • Road hauliers have been denied an increase to 44 tonnes in a Government move which critics claim is designed to protect the railfreight sell-off.
In rejecting the House of Lords' recommendation to increase the maximum lorry weight limit from 38 tonnes, the Government is sacrificing road efficiency, say sources close to the Department of Transport.
The Government says it wants to assess the effect intennodal 44-tonners have on rail before extending their use. It will review the situation next winter.
The Freight Transport Association is disappointed that the Government has turned down the Lords' reconunendations. It estimates the introduction of 44-tonners would save more than 300 million litres of fuel a year by taking 9,000 trucks off Britain's roads. And British Rail's bulk freight business says that a move to 44 tonnes would give hauliers productivity gains of up to 10%.
Transport minister Steven Norris is also thought to want to protect the limited mun ber of companies which have invested in specialised equipment to run 44-tonners carrying swap bodies for intermodal work. Since 44-tonners were given the goahead for journeys to and from railheads last February, it is estimated that fewer than 200 vehicles have started running at the higher weight.
But one company using 44-tonners for intermodal work, Aldridge-based S Jones Transport Services Group, is pleased with the Government's decision. Director Bill Cooper believes that the introduction of 44-tonners for general haulage would force rates down.
"If everybody ran 44-tonners you'd get the same situation as when 38-tonners came in," he says. "Initially hauliers charged 15% extra for customers using 38tonners, but after six months the increase disappeared." Therefore, he says, the extra payload given from 44-tonners would not demand rates which could justify the extra investment needed for 44-tonners. Cooper estimates a 44-tonner casts at least 10% more than a 38-tonner.
Environmental pressure group Transport 2000 also welcomes the announcement.
Cooper: 44-tonners would force down rates.