Gooseneck trailer—licence definition
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• In the item on the new Guttridge gooseneck trailers published in CM July 31 it was stated that designed gross trailer weight was 6 tons. This was based on information presented by the company, and it has now been pointed out that this was wrong and that the model is designed to carry a payload of 6 tons.
It was also stated in the article that as less than 20 per cent of the gross trailer weight was imposed bn the towing vehicle, a combination incorporating the trailer was not classified as an "articulated vehicle" and that therefore an hgv driving licence would not be needed if the tractive unit weighed less than 30cwt.
It has been pointed out by the Ministry of Transport, however, that this definition of an "articulated vehicle" applies only so far as Construction and Use Regulations are concerned. For the purposes of the hgv licence, the 1960 Act is the relevant criterion and this states that an articulated vehicle is one where "a substantial part of the trailer load is applied to the towing vehicle". An outfit incorporating the Guttridge trailer would apparently be taken as an "articulated vehicle" under the 1960 Act definition and therefore an hgv licence will be needed if the towing vehicle weighs more than 15cwt unladen.