Stretching.. the imagination
Page 48
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• More than a third of Britain's articowning hauliers will run with longer 16.5m combinations as they become legal this year, according to an exclusive Commercial Motor survey.
Our poll shows that 33% of artic operators plan to take advantage of the new legislation, which was due to take effect from 1 January but has been delayed because the changes to Construction and Use Regulations have taken longer than expected. Everything is now scheduled to go through around March, but for those operators who have already taken the plunge, and invested in new equipment. special dispensation is being offered in certain cases (see Operator's Handbook or phone Tom Turner at the Department of Transport on 01-276 6438).
The tractor/trailer combinations hauliers are most likely to use are 3+3 (opted for by 35%) and 2+3 (33%). Less popular are 3+2 and 2+2 axles (both 9%).
Most will invest in new trailers (74%) rather than new tractors (48%), with 11% planning to convert existing equipment.
The majority of those interested in longer trailers favour 13.6m; the maximum length allowed. Nobody wants 13.0m or 13.4m, although 4% of our correspondents reckoned they may opt for another size. Hauliers who bulk-out before weighing-out will clearly benefit more from the change than those who hit the maximum weight with space available.
As expected, 35% of those who want longer trailers say their operation is volume-sensitive, with 46% claiming both volume and weight-sensitivity, as they carry both fight and heavy loads.
Most operators bank on spending a lot of money on converting — around 65% say it will need major capital investment.
There is one worrying feature of the survey: almost half of those who plan to change over to longer combinations do not understand the turning circle requirements, which come into force on 1 April. Only 24% fully comprehend the rules, despite the fact that manufacturers have been sending out explanatory booklets and charts. The rules — aimed at preventing 'cut-in' — allow an outer turning circle radius of 12.5m and an inner radius of not less than 5.3m.
Hauliers were asked how they would specify longer attics. Most (41%) say they will first talk to their dealer; 37% will consult the manufacturer direct. Some 4% will use their own knowledge or talk to other operators, and 30% will do both.
Many of those who want to change to longer artics are international and/or reef
er hauliers. Some will wait until their present tractive units or trailers wear out. Few respondents will be going for 16.5m combinations across their entire fleet.
Reasons for not taking up the new 16.5m combinations include: not enough cash; weight-sensitive operations; and lack of understanding of the regulations. D Commercial Motor talked to 300 hauliers during January. Some of the percentage responses add up to more than 100, because respondees have said yes to more than one question.