Windy weather
Page 24
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Asatruck drivers will be ware, this winter has seen a number of occasions when the Severn crossing has been closed to high-sided vehicles. While this is a great inconvenience to hauliers it does highlight the advantages that will be gained to all operators when the new bridge is opened next year—the new bridge will have wind shielding for its full length.
When drivers of high-sided vehicles are allowed to use the existing bridge at times of high winds, it is imperative that they pay attention to the speed restrictions shown on the matrix signals. Driving at speeds higher than those shown will increase the risk of vehicles being blown over. Also, there would be less chance of empty curtainsiders being blown over if drivers pulled back their curtains when crossing the bridge.
David Foice General manager, Severn River Crossing
Open all hours
your guide to UK public weighbridges has been brought to my attention. The section on Dynamic Axle Weighers (CM 1-7 December) is unfortunately incomplete. It also states that the weighbridges are open 24 hours a day.
The fact is that very few of the Department of Transport weighbridges are open on a 24 hour basis due to problems with vandals. Pete Maddams Weighbridge scheme management, Vehicle Inspectorate, Bristol Weighbridges available out of hours for self weighing are in secure locations: a list of those DOT owned and operated weighbridges which are open out of hours follows—Ed. Avon, Devon, Dorset, Hants & Wilts: Poole Docks; Puddletown A35; Kennford A38; Portsmouth Docks.
Essex, Northants and Suffolk: Felixstowe Docks. Co Durham, Humberside: King George Dock, Hull; Wellfield A19; Humber Bridge.
East and West Sussex: Handcross A23; Withy Patch A27; Newhaven Harbour (due to open spring 1995). Yorkshire: Gildersome A650. Scotland: Craigforth 3,19/A54; Tayside Truck Stop Dundee; Flindon A92.
CM's Weighbridge Guide was published in four parts in issues dated 29 Sept-5 at 270c1-2 Nov, 1-7 Dec 1994 and 22 Dec-4 Jan 1995.
A cynic writes...
ile driving along a
busy motorway last week, I was shocked to be overtaken by "Lost wheel syndrome", closely followed by "Tightened'em this morning syndrome" and "They would say that, wouldn't they, syndrome". Trevor Leech
Warwick.