Lift axle regs updated
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
El Pressure from operators has forced the Department of Transport to produce a second set of proposals for the Construction and Use Regulations lIpplying to retractable axles on HGVs.
Under the new proposals vehicles will still have to conform to overhang requirements which exclude rearmost lift axles from overhang calculations.
Vehicles built before 1 January 1993, and certain specified categories such as milk tankers, will be exempt, but they will not be permitted to lift the axle in road use if an overhang infringement would otherwise occur.
The DTp is calling on operators to nominate other categories of HGV which they feel should be exempt.
Temporary lifting of an axle will be permitted to increase the load on the drive axle for better traction, provided the maximum axle weight is not exceeded.
The lifting of an axle in such circumstances is now limited in the new regulations according to the speed of the vehicle. Once the regulation speed has been reached the axle should be lowered to the ground.
The DTp has decided to remove time limits on the use of lifting axles except for an overall limit which is included in the regulations to prevent the device being left energised by mistake.
References to the location of the control for the axle lift have also been removed from the regulations. However, new proposals state that the axle lift must not operate if the load on the remaining axles exceeds 50%/60% of its plated weight (depending on configuration). If the weight on the remaining axles is increased beyond this point, the lifting aide must automatically lower to the ground.
Operators wishing to comment on the proposal should write to: I Bidmead, Room C19/15, Department of Transport, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB.
0 A further Construction and Use Regulation amendment is being proposed to allow the use of converter dollies under certain conditions, even if some of the weight of the semi-trailer is transmitted to the towing vehicle.