28-ton Tanker Issue May Be Revived
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FROM A SVECIAL CORRESPONDENT •
THE question of 28-ton-gross multi-wheeled tankers, turned down flat by the Minister of Transport earlier this year (The Commercial Motor, July 1), is far from being dead. In any case, interest in it is very considerably revived as a result of the recent decision by the European Ministers of Transport on standard dimensions and axle weights for goods vehicles engaged on international transport in Europe. .
Mr. Ernest Marples, our own Minister, abstained from the voting. Almost all of the figures are increases on current U.K. ones, the exception being the maximum weight permitted on tandem axles, which will be 16 metric tons, compared with the British maximum of 18 tons.
When he turned down the question of 28-ton tankers in July, Mr. Marples (who had earlier given the impression he would grant the addition) said it was because many of the older bridgesin this country would not bear the additional stresses, an opinion which he said was confirmed by the British Standards Institution. The Minister said he foresaw disaster if such structures should collapse where they carried roads over railways.
Since then, I understand, the Minister has had some sort of second thoughts and sought civil engineering opinions on the bridges in question. If, therefore, he is subsequently convinced he was being over-cautious, the way could be open for him to reverse his earlier decision.
Many current British heavy chassis are already capable of dealing with the extra weight—which would not necessarily involve an increase in tank size. There are, also, such vehicles as the Scammell Trunker and the Thompson Autotanker (both of which were shown at the Earls Court Show in September).
At the moment, the Trunker's tandem axle at the rear of the tractor (the Trunker is a 10-wheeled articulated unit) could carry a weight of up to 18 tons. This brings it well within the 28-ton limit.
If this country did eventually subscribe to the higher weight limits—as it may well have to—then it would almost certainly mean that unladen weights would have to go up generally in this country. And what about Mr. Marples' weak bridges then?
• The limits agreed by the European Ministers, with the existing British ones in brackets, are as follows:—
Weight on any one axle, 22,000 lb. (19,160).
Weight on tandem axle bogie, 35,200 lb. (40,320).
Gross train weight, vehicle and trailer, without power-assisted trailer brakes. 70,400 lb. (53,760).
Gross train weight, vehicle and trailer, with power-assisted trailer brakes. 70,400 lb. (71,680).
Gross weight, six-wheeled articulated unit, 70,400 lb. (44,800).
Gross weight, articulated unit, eight or more wheels, 70,400 lb. (53,760).
Overall length, vehicle and trailer, 54 ft. I f in. (52 ft.).
Overall length, articulated unit, 49 ft. 2+ in. (35 ft.).
West Germany proposes that, by next July, the new limits should apply to its own and all vehicles going into that country.