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DOE clarifies longer trailer test go-ahead
Page 13
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By Julian Milne
THE NORTHERN Ireland Department of Environment (DOE) has clarified its reasons for allowing a longer semi-trailer trial, which is being run in conjunction with trailer-maker Muldoon Transport.
The DOE says the decision (`Muldoon gets go-ahead to test longer semi-trailer', CM 26 Nov) was prompted by current pressure in the European Parliament for an extension to permitted trailer lengths, together with the need to support businesses looking to exploit commercial opportunities.
A DOE spokesman says: "KOgel in Germany and Iveco in Italy are already testing similar trailers: white Swedish companies are also hoping to export their homegrown trailers. "There are markets to explore outside the European Economic Area. However, the DOE has not allowed widespread use of longer trailers, nor has it any plans to."
The decision, which involved the raising of a Vehicle Special Order, was issued to Muldoon following a year of planning, including the submission of drawings, and technical specifications, along with inspection of a working model.
Muldoon hopes to demonstrate the trailer to potential buyers, although the vehicle is not permitted to carry goods for hire or reward.
The trial, which is the first of its type to be permitted in the UK and Ireland, will last for one year on all roads in Northern Ireland and designated roads in the Republic of Ireland.