Belgium backs air springs
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BY THE END of the year road transport in Belgium may be able to take advantage of revised Construction and Use Regulations which will also provide for higher gross weights.
After a long campaign by industry and operators for more liberal gcw's, ministerial blessing is expected for maximum weights to be raised to 44 tonnes on air-suspended five-axle combinations.
Drive axle load is to be reduced to 12 tonnes from the existing limit of 13 tonnes while undriven axles will remain at 10 tonnes.
Tandem axle loads are to be reduced by one tonne to 19 tonnes and a new rule will be applied to tri-axle running gear.
Leaf-spring suspensions will limit the weight to 24 tonnes (existing, 26 tonnes) but tri-axle gear fitted with air suspension will be allowed to carry 27 tonnes.
Overall length of rigid vehicles is expected to be increased to 12m and there will be provision under the new rules for eightwheelers to operate at 34 tonnes gvw.
A new licensing category of "special transport" will give operators in certain specified traffic the opportunity to apply for dispensation to introduce 56tonnes on-road combinations.
The new regulations are also designed to encourage vehicle operators to fit retarders and special trailer equipment, such as required for Kangaroo-type road/rail services, without being penalised for the increased weight.