When I use one of my rigids in order to
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
recover a broken down artic, one can look upon the complete unit as a drawbar trailer outfit, This is causing some puzzlement. For the maximum length allowed for such an outfit is 18 metres. So, presumably, my two vehicles — that is when one is towing the other — should conform to this restriction.
My point is this: my artic alone measures 15 metres — so I can recover a broken down artic without breaking the law?
AThis is indeed, as you say, a position which is not always fully understood. For the answer consider the special provisions made for broken down vehicles in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1973. These apply to the road train length and the number of trailers allowed to be drawn.
Presumably your rigid vehicle can be classed as "a heavy motor car," and if so it is able to draw one trailer only. An artic, says the law, comprises a motor vehicle and trailer — and when it is being drawn by an artic vehicle it constitutes two trailers.
But Regulation 136 of the Construction and Use Regulations provides for a broken down artic to be regarded as one trailer provided it is unladen.
Regulation 68 of the C & U Regs deals with the length of trailers. It says that, in general, the overall length of a trailer (excluding trailers which form part of an artic vehicle) should not exceed seven metres (22ft 11 in) but sub-section (2) (d) exempts .a broken down vehicle which is being drawn by. a motor vehicle in consequence of the breakdown.