We operate a 7-ton Commer first registered in July 1957.
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What must be done to this vehicle to comply with the new regulations and where can copies of these be obtained? We notice repeated references to "plating" in COMMERCIAL MOTOR What does this mean?
AThe relevant regulations are the Motor
Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1966 No. 1288 obtainable from any H M Stationery Office or through any bookseller, price 6s 6d.
As from January 1 this year the vehicle must be capable of producing an efficiency of 45 per cent from the main brakes and 20 per cent from a second means of application (the hand brake) at any time it is on the road in any load condition up to fully laden.
Operation of a vehicle above the manufacturers' designed weight is not expressly forbidden in the new regulations provided braking requirements are met and the axle weight does not exceed 9 tons, so that you could operate up to 14 tons gross.
But in the middle of this year annual testing will start. Your vehicle will have to be submitted for its first examination by September 1 and on this test it will be plated. Plating means that maximum axle and gross weights will be applied to the vehicle and these will be shown on a plate affixed to it by IVIDT staff.
The braking efficiency just quoted are interim standards and by 1973 it is anticipated that all vehicles will have to meet the full efficiency of 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively now required of new vehicles. It seems that your 7-tonner will meet the full requirements without modification at its designed weight of 11.5 tons gross.