80% want 40 tonne
Page 84
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• More than eight out of 10 UK hauliers want a 40-tonne weight limit for trucks and most believe that our 38-tonne ceiling puts us at a commercial disadvantage against the rest of Europe, an exclusive Commercial Motor survey has found.
The overwhelming backing for 40 tonnes supports what trade bodies like the Freight Transport Association have been claiming for years — the Government is dragging its feet in bringing roads and weights up to levels common throughout Europe.
Our survey of 250 transport companies, however, reveals several suprising facts and attitudes. Half of those questioned do not currently operate at the maximum 38-tonne limit; half believe that Britain's bridges and roads are incapable of handling 40-tonne trucks, and only 53% reckon they would make more money by running at the higher weight limit.
A massive 83%, however, expect any move to 40 tonnes to be linked to safety measures such as mandatory speed limiters or front undernm bumpers on maximum-weight trucks. Surprisingly, 53% say they would pay their drivers more for operating a 40-tonner.
Significantly, two thirds of those surveyed say that if 40tonne trucks were made available, but only on six axles, they would not be able to run them on present equipment.
Some 78% believe Britain's haulage industry is at a disadvantage by not running at 40 tonnes. Already Brussels-based director general of transport Eduardo Pena, speaking exclusively in Commercial Motor in May, has warned that pressure from Europe could get stronger if the Government does not move to 40 tonnes soon.
The Freight Transport Association says the results of the survey comes as no surprise. "We know 40 tonnes will save money. It's what we have been saying all along — it could only help business. These opinions are what we expected."
The Road Haulage Association, however, is ambivalent. "Our members are divided: it depends what you do. Bulk tipper operators, for instance, would benefit from 40 tonnes; others might not Many would not stand to gain," it says.
The issue of 40 tonnes is political and problems remain with Britain's roads and bridges.
Many of these are incapable of handling 40-tonne vehicles, adds the RHA.
Full details of our survey ar on page 90.