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German trials identify problems with LHVs

18th January 2007
Page 14
Page 14, 18th January 2007 — German trials identify problems with LHVs
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Keywords : Truck, Ros

Safety fears have been raised by the latest EU country to assess longer, heavier trucks. Dylan Gray reports.

INITIAL RESULTS from German trials of 60-tonne trucks suggest that longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) are not suitable for the country's infrastructure.

The tests were carried out by the German equivalent of the Department for Transport in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler; the German authorities are now reviewing the safety implications, impact on infrastructure, emissions and efficiency. The results will be published in February, but initial reports show that economic arguments for the introduction of these trucks are being undermined by safety fears.

The Bundesamt fur StraBenwesen study concludes that if LHVs were allowed on German roads, bridges would deteriorate more quickly and would have to be enforced; central reservation barriers across the country would need to be redesigned;and many truckstops would have to be altered to accommodate the longer vehicles.

The study also warns that the consequences of a mega-truck crash could be far worse than with a conventional 44-tonner.

Norbert Hansen from Germany's Free Democratic Party says: "Initial results show that 60tonne trucks are not a good idea."

However, the Federation of German Industries argues that LHVs are a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of transportation.


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