The Classification of Vehicles Under the Road Traffic Act
Page 53
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Definitions of Locomotives, Motor Tractors, Heavy Motorcars, Motorcars and Special Vehicles, Together with Advice on Points to Watch
IN order to understand the new Regulations which will soon be issued it is essential that all who are interested in commercial-motor vehicles should clearly understand the manner in which such vehicles are classified under the Road Traffic Act, because in many respects the new classification differs materially from that which has been in force for some years.
Under the existing law every mechanically propelled vehicle is regarded as being a "locomotive" unless it complies with the following requirements :—(1) That the weight unladen does not exceed 10 tons; (2) that if a trailer be drawn the weight unladen of the vehicle plus the weight unladen of the trailer does not exceed St tons; (3) that it is not used for drawing more than one trailer ; and (4) that in the case of a steam vehicle it is so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from any temporary or accidental cause. Consequently, under the present law a vehicle may at one time be a heavy motorcar and at another time it may be a locomotive, because it may happen to draw two trailers. This is to be altered.
Under the Road Traffic Act the above distinctions are entirely removed, and each vehicle is definitely laced in one particular category 'Trom which it cannot be moved unless there be an alteration in the weight unladen which transfers it from one category to another, but in no case can a motorcar, or a heavy motorcar, become a locomotive, unless such alterations be made in the construction as entirely to alter its character.
Locomotives.
Locomotives are defined as being "mechanically propelled vehicles which are not constructed themSelves to carry any load, other than the following articles :—Water, fuel, accumulators and other equipment used for the purpose of propulsion, loose tools and loose equipment.
Locomotives are subdivided into two categories :—
(1) Heavy locomotives, the weight unladen of which exceeds 11-k tons, and
(2) Light locomotives, the weight unladen of which does not exceed 11-i tons, but does exceed 7* tons.
The Act does not provide for the maximum weight unladen of heavy locomotives, but this will be dealt with in the new Regulations. Motor Tractors.
Motor tractors have exactly the same characteristics as have locomotives, except that the weight unladen does not exceed 7i tons.
Heavy Motorcars.
Heavy motorcars are defined as being "mechanically propelled vehicles (not being vehicles classified as motorcars) which are constructed themselves to carry, a load or passengers, and the weight of which unladen exceeds 2i tons." The maximum weight unladen will be fixed by the Regulations.
Motorcars.
Motorcars are defined as being "mechanically propelled vehicles (not being vehicles classified as motoreycles or invalid carriages) which are constructed themselves to carry a load or passengers and the weight of which unladen
(i) in the case of vehicles which are—
(I) constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects; and
(2) adapted to carry not more than seven passengers exclusive of the driver ; and
(3) fitted with tyres of the prescribed type; —does not exceed three tons; (ii) in any other case does not exceed tons."
The definition as given above is not too clear, but it is set out exactly as shown in the Act itself, and, therefore, it must be correct. It would have been clearer if it had been stated that in any case the weight unladen of a motorcar may be 2* tons, but that the weight unladen may be increased to 3 tons if the vehicle be constructed solely fo the conveyance of passengers am their effects; if it be adapted t4 carry not more than seven passen gers, exclusive of the driver, and i it be equipped with such tyres te may be prescribed by the Regula tions made under the Act.
Special Vehicles.
The Act enables the Minister of Transport to authorize the use or roads of special motor vehicles or trailers, or special types of motor vehicle or trailer, which are constructed for special purposes or for tests or trials, and of new or improved types of motor vehicle and trailer, whether wheeled or wheelless.
Points to be Noted.
There are several factors to be considered, and these are as follow:
1. That locomotives, whether heavy or light, and tractors, are machines which are not constructed to carry a load.
2. That heavy motorcars and motorcars are vehicles which are constructed to carry a load.
3. That if a heavy motorcar be used with more trailers than is permitted under the new Regulations the vehicle will not become a locomotive, as is generally the case at the present time, but an offence will be committed for which the driver, and probably the owner, will be liable.
4. That the existing maximum weight unladen of two tons for a motorcar is increased to 24 tons, and, in the case of some passenger vehicles to three tons.
5. That in the case of a motor vehicle fitted with a crane, dynamo, welding plant, or other special am pliance or apparatus which is a permanent or an essentially permanent fixture, the appliance or apparatus will not be deemed to constitute a load, but will be deemed to form -part of the vehicle.
6. That the object of the lastmentioned provision appears to be to make it clear that if -special apparatus, such as is mentioned, is carried on a motorcar, the vehicle will be treated as a heavy motorcar if the weight unladen of the car plus the weight of the apparatus exceeds 2* tons.
7. That a sidecar attached to a Motorcycle will, if it complies with the regulations, be regarded as forming part of the vehicle to which it is attached, and not as being a trailer.