NEW SPEED LIMITS FOR ABNORMAL LOADS
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Last November, the Department for Transport (DfT) raised the speed limit for certain types of vehicle transporting abnormal loads, saying the changes would reduce congestion. The changes were:
• for artics weighing between 150 tonnes and 250 tonnes, a rise from 12m/h to 25m/h.
• for draw-bar trailer vehicles weighing between 150 tonnes and 250 tonnes, an increase from 12m/h to 20m/h.
• for girder frame trailers over 150 tonnes and draw-bar trailers over 250 tonnes, the limit stays at 12m/h. What has been the reaction of the industry to the changes?
According to Engley, the sector in general has no issues with the revised speed limits and they appear to be working well and assist productivity.
However, Macauley tells CM the government could go even further and bring in a 30m/h limit for heavy loads.
“The 12m/h limit was introduced at the time of the steam traction engine and for modern vehicles, operating at the extra speed is safer,” he says.