Heavy haulage regs soon
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
NEW HEAVY haulage regulations are expected soon in draft form from the Department of Transport.
The DTp is pressing ahead with a review of special types rules and is likely to propose a higher speed limit (at present 12 mph) more axles for trailers and different axle spacings from those allowed now.
Senior DTp official Jim Clifton hinted at some of the changes on the way when he told the Institute of Road Transport Engineers in London last week that present axle spacings do not reflect modern vehicles and practices.
Changes, which could come into effect next year, are likely to affect lighter special types loads particularly. Some existing equipment, for example tandem axle trailers, could eventually become obsolete. The regulations are also expected to clarify the position of "bonus loadersand "jeep loaders".
A retrospective element in the legislation seems inevitable. Low-loader trailers have a very long life span, and the DTp is unlikely to wait ten or 15 years before making the legislation effective.
The Road Haulage Association. will be pressing for a phasing in period, however.
DTp interest in axle spacings has increased since the heavier lorry debate following the Armitage Report, when they were seen as a critical element in ensuring that five-axle 38-tonne lorries were no more damaging than 32.5-tonners on four axles.
John lngrey, chief engineer at King Trailers, commented that higher speeds would need to take into account the suspension system on the trailer, tyre design and braking systems.