PLATES TO REMEMBER
Page 48
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE Construction and Use Regulations cover every conceivable aspect of vehicle design; even closets, urinals, lavatory basins and sinks are included. .
Regulation 36 states that, when any of these items are fitted to a motor vehicle first used on or after January 15, 1931, or to a trailer, the following conditions must be complied with (a) the closet or urinal must not discharge directly on to the road (b) except in the case of a living van, a closet or urinal must discharge into a ventilated tank carried on the vehicle, which contains a chemical which is an effective deodorant and germicide (c) a lavatory basin or sink must not drain into the same tank as a closet or urinal.
The maximum seating capacity of a half-decked vehicle is 50 passengers exclusive of the driver, and conductor if carried (Regulation 37).
Regulation 38 requires that all motor vehicles be equipped with such lighting equipment and reflectors by day: so as to render them capable of being 'driven on roads at night without contravening the Lighting Regulations. Motor vehicles not provided with front and rear lamps are exempt. It should be noted that this Regulation does not apply to trailers.
Regulation 39 requires that all goods vehicles which are heavy motor cars or motor cars, first used on or after January 1, 1968, and all locomotives and motor tractors first used on or after April 1, 1973 must have securely and conspicuously displayed a manufacturer's plate.
Trailers exceeding 1, 020kg unladen weight must be similarly plated The plate must show the following particulars: manufacturer's name. chassis or serial number; number of axles; maximum axle weight for each axle (;e total for all wheels
on the axle); maximum gross weight (ie total for all wheels of the vehicle).
The above details are required for both motor vehicles and trailers. On plates fitted to trailers, the maximum load imposed on the drawing vehicle must be shown_ On motor vehicles, the vehicle type; the engine power and the maximum train weight must also be shown_ The following motor vehicles are exempt from the requirement to exhibit a manufacturer's plate: dual-purpose vehicles, land tractors; land locomotives; works trucks; pedestrian controlled vehicles and industrial tractors.
The following trailers are exempt: trailers not constructed to carry a load other than plant or special appliance, or apparatus which is a permanent fixture and not exceeding 2,290kg in total weight (about 45cwt); living vans not exceeding 2,040kg tabout 2 tons) unladen weight, and fitted with pneumatic tyres; a works trailer; trailers exempt from the regulations concerning trailer brakes, and a trailer made and used outside Great Britain before it was used in this country.
All goods vehicles powered by compression ignition engines first used on or after April 1, 1973, and not manufactured before October 1, 1972 must have a power to weignt ratio of at least 4.4kW per 1,000kg (6bhp per ton).
The weight. in this case, means the maximum train weight shown on the plate discussed above, and if this is not shown on the plate, the maximum gross weight shown ion the plate.
This Regulation does not apply to a vehicle fitted with a Perkins 6.354 engine, fitted in a vehicle manufactured before April 1, 1973 (Regulation 40).
When a vehicle is fitted with ancillary equipment designed for use when the vehicle is in motion at a speed exceeding 5mph, and the power absorbed by that equipment is provided by the engine propelling the vehicle, then the power remaining to drive the vehicle must still be the 4.4kW per 1.000kg demanded by the previous Regulation.
We now come to a subject of topical interest, the law concerning vehicles using gaseous fuels instead of the more conventional petrol or derv.
Regulation 42 states that, in addition to any requirements of Regulations made under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928, or by any other Act, the third Schedule to the C and U Regulations must be complied with. A summary of this Schedule appears below: Gas containers — Gas containers must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a way that they are unlikely to become damaged or displaced by vibration or by any other cause. They must be placed away from, or insulated from the exhaust system, so as not to be adversely affected by the heat from it.
Pipe lines — Pipe lines must be supported, so as to be protected from vibration and strain and be kept away from the heat of the exhaust system. Every pipe must be made from solid drawn steel. The maximum unsupported length of a pressure pipe must not exceed 920mm (3ft).
Unions — Unions must be constructed and fitted so that they are not liable to work loose or develop leakage. They must be readily accessible for inspection and adjustment, and not contain any joint which is not metal to metal.
Reducing valves — Reducing valves must be readily accessible and so constructed that there can be no escape of gas when the engine is not running
Valves and cocks — Valves and cocks intended to be subjected to a pressure exceeding 690kNisq i100psij must be made of forged steel or of brass or oronze to a stringent specification laid down in the Schedule.
Pressure gauges — Pressure gauges must be constructed so that they are not liable to deterioration under the action . of the particular gas employed.
They must be fitted so that in the event of their failure, no gas can escape into any part of the vehicle, or so that the glass in the gauge itself is liable to break. If the gauge fails it must be possible to readily cut off the supply of gas.
Charging connections — All connections for charging a gas container must be outside the vehicle, and in the case of a public service vehicle be more
than. 610mm (2ft) from any
entrance or exit. An efficient shut-off valve must be fitted as near as possible to the filling point, and an additional emergency shut-off valve must be fitted adjacent to the valve.
Where compressed gas is not used, a cock or an efficient non-return valve may be employed in lieu of the shut-off valve. A cap must be fitted to the gas filling point on the vehicle, and where compressed gas is used this cap must be made of steel with a metal to metal joint.
Trailers — Where a trailer is used for carrying the gas cylinder, a reducing valve must be fitted to the trailer, and the pipe used for carrying the gas from the trailer to the towing vehicle must not contain compressed gas.
Construction etc of system — The gas container propulsion system must be placed or protected so as not to be exposed to accidental damage. and must be soundly and properly constructed of suitable and well finished materials, capable of withstanding the load and stresses likely to be met with, in operation.
It must be maintained in an efficient, safe and clean condi tion. It must be designed and constructed so that a leakage of gas is not likely to occur under
normal working conditions whether or not the engine. is running