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Power isn't everything...
Page 66
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...but who wouldn't want 680 horses under the bonnet?
Overtaking bans for trucks, like most things, have their pros and cons. But with MAN now producing the most powerful standard production truck in Europe (and other manufacturers following hot on its heels), these bans could be counter-productive.
If an operator buys a high-power tractor for hauling abnormal loads it doesn't really matter if it is not allowed to overtake other vehicles. But if an owner-driver has bought one to run at 44 tonnes across hilly terrain on a tight schedule, then being stuck behind a struggling, lower-powered rig will be incredibly frustrating.
On the other hand, even if the powerhouse is stuck behind a slowcoach, at least it is a relaxing drive. After all, most of these ultrapowerful wagons sport automated transmissions, so the job will be less stressful -though not as quick as it might be.
And forgetting for a moment that road haulage is a business and not a hobby, it must be nice to tell people that you have 680hp under the bonnet. Whether you are hauling a load of crisps or are fully freighted with steel, anyone who loves trucks will love the power.
With the extended car driver theory test now in place, maybe the questions should incorporate a section on LGVs. Not about driving them, but on how the rules that govern them are different to those for cars_
The prime example, of course, is the LGV 40mph limit on singlecarriageway roads. If car drivers knew this they might not be so impatient. Another useful area to be would be rigid and artic turning circles so car drivers would realise that cutting up the inside of an LGV is not only illegal, it could be fatal.
There are all too many other examples of stupid behaviour which could be curbed by a few simple questions in the driving theory test; Di T please note.