We run a number of 2-axle rigid vehicles. The overall
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length of these units is 31.ft, maximum width loft and weight /'/22 tons.
Assuming a vehicle body length of 26jt with extended chassis, would we be permitted a rear overhang of 5.ft?
11 so would be need: (a) duplicated rear lighting on the load? (b) long vehicle or wide load markers?
Assuming vehicles of equal length would we be permitted to return unloaded with one vehicle loaded upon another? This would mean a rear overhang of 7ft.
AThe carrying of long and wide loads under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1973 is governed by Regulations 130 and 131. Briefly, the maximum permitted width is 4.3 metres (14ft 1.296 in) and the maximum permitted length of vehicle and load is 27.4 metres (89 ft 74 in).
If the rear projection exceeds 1.07 metres (3ft 12 ins) but does not exceed 1.83 metres (6 ft 0,04in) then steps must be taken to render the relevant projection clearly visible to other persons using the road within a reasonable distance from the rear and either side. (Paragraph 4 Schedule 8 of the C and U Regs). How this is done is left to the discretion of the user.
Where the rearward projection is over 1.83 metres but not over 3.05 metres (10 ft 0.08 in) then projection markers must be used at the end and side of the load as specified in paragraph 3 of Schedule 8.
So far as lighting is concerned, Regulation 37 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1971 stipulates that when a vehicle is on a road during the hours of darkness carrying a load overhanging laterally (sideways) by more than 12 inches it shall carry a rear lamp as near as practicable to the outer edge of the load so that no part of the load projects more than 12 in from the rear lamp.
For rearward projecting loads an extra rear light is required if the load projects over 1.07 metres (3 ft 6.12 in).