Merseyside and Dip in 38-tonne trailer test row
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MI The Merseyside Chamber of Commerce & Industry has told Roads and Traffic Minister Peter Bottomley that the load simulators at heavy goods vehicles test centres should be improved to accommodate trailers plated at 38 tonnes, if a ballasted semi-trailer for brake tests is not available for threeaxle tractive units.
Since last December the Simonswood HGV test station has been using a loaded trailer on a trial basis, but last month Bottomley told the chamber that problems there precluded any extension of the scheme (CM 6-12 August).
Urging Bottomley to reconsider, the chamber says: "Our reading of the situation differs from yours. It was always hoped that companies who were in a position to provide their own loaded/ ballasted trailers would continue to do so and thus advertisement of the facility was somewhat guarded. Those who used the equipment at Simonswood found that they encountered no problems, nor were there any delays, provided the necessary request was made and the appropriate documentation completed."
On charges, the chamber says the appropriate legislative powers must exist with regard to mandatory procedures. The principle of the trial was that an optional trailer was being made available for those operators who had problems in supplying trailers accompanied by a full, balanced load.
"The charges question seemed to pose no problems during the trial period and we believe it would not do so in future," says the chamber.