Speed limit rise after CM test?
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7OLLOWING the exclusive Commercial Motor trials of a double )ottom outfit (CM, September 24) the Department of Transport las said it will consider upping the motorway speed limit of the ,ystem to 50 mph.
Regular CM readers will -ecall that I asked for the DoT's reaction to the results of pur test with specific reference to the imposed 40 mph speed limit on motorways.
I had reported that this limit was impractical both from an economic point of view as it restricted the distance covered in a working day and a safety point of view due to the nuisance we caused to other road users at this speed. I quote the relevant sections of the DoT reply in full: "The trial was of course a strictly limited one and carried out under almost ideal conditions. I understand that the vehicles were thoroughly tested by experts beforehand, the technical safety requirements laid down by the Department were easily met and the vehicles were operated scrupu lously within the conditions of the Order.
"Three runs were made during daylight and in fine weather. As we see it, the trial shows that there is apparently no inherent danger in operating an outfit in traffic on the open roads under the conditions of the Order. I am sure you will agree that normal everyday working conditions of a combination in ordinary service could be very different.
"I note that you feel that the 40 mph speed limit on motorways which was imposed by the Order was low. We know that the industry would prefer the limit to be increased. Having further examined the factors involved, we are prepared to consider permitting a motorway speed limit of 50 mph if another application for an Order is received.
"I must, however, make it clear that if the combination indicates any undesirable tendencies at that speed or any incident occurs because of the higher limit then we would almost certainly lower it on any other Order which might be issued."
The comment relating to the everyday working conditions of a combination in ordinary service means that while the DoT was perfectly happy with the standard of preparation and maintenance of the Volvo/Crane Fruehauf outfit, this high standard would not necessarily apply to such a system in everyday use. I think this is pitching it too strongly. The doubles concept is not going to be used by every operator in the country. It is far more likely to be used by the larger operator who might be affected by restrictions in length for city work and being the larger operators they are more likely to have a satisfactory maintenance record although obviously there are exceptions.