Q We have been asked recently to quote for the construction
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and/or improvement of passing bays for traffic serving farm establishments. What is the maximum weight and axle loading permitted for articulated tippers, the length of passing bay needed, and the turning circle or radius such a vehicle would need for access?
A The current maximum gross weight for an articulated vehicle, other than a special-type, is 32 tons while the maximum permitted overall length of articulated vehicles was increased to 15 metres {or approximately 49ft 2.6in.) as from April 8 this year.
To take account of all possibilities, you would need to have a passing bay about 100ft long—twice the length of the longest vehicle which might use it.
Regarding the turning circle or radius which would be needed for access by an artic it is difficult to give an answer in general terms since it is not possible to calculate the outer and inner turning circles of an artic mathematically, although it could be done diagrammatically. We suggest that if a vehicle operator wants to know the radius he requires for a turn-in the safest way is to check it physically by using a vehicle, perhaps by borrowing a maximum-length vehicle for that purpose.