EU trailer height proposal outrages UK operators
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
kevin.swattowfarbi.co.uk OPERATORS HAVE reacted with shock at a European Union proposal to restrict all new-build semi-trailers to 4m in height as part of Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
The proposal has been sent to UK trailer builders from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Julian Richards, MD of AK Worthington in Manchester, says more than half of its 100-strong fleet is over 4m in height and, as part of Palletforce, it runs three double-deck trailers into Burtonupon-Trent every night. "That would become six. The pallet networks only work because of double-deck trailers; this proposed legislation could kill the pallet market overnight," he says. Jon White, commercial director of Somerset-based RT Keedwell, says such a proposal would affect its entire 1,000-strong fleet of trailers, which are 4.55m high with a 2.9m internal height loadspace. It would have a huge financial impact on customers, and mean more trailers and less loadspace to sell, he adds.
The trailer industry has reacted as one in its call for the proposed legislation to be serapped.The DfT says it has sought responses from manufacturers after sending a confidential letter explaining the draft proposal to restrict height to 4m, although there are exemptions to height, width and length to cater for aerodynamic devices, rather than aiding capacity.
CM contacted UK trailer manufacturers, and while they were unwilling to go on the record, they viewed the proposals as 'illogical' and 'lacking any environmental credibility', as it will drive up costs as fleets get bigger, and increase CO2. emissions.
Also, manufacturers fear a height restriction will open the floodgates to larger, more powerful European trailer manufacturers who build mass-volume. uniform trailers.