8 bhp/ton standard for PO heavies
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# All new maximum-weight vehicles now being bought by the 45,000-vehicle Post Office Telecommunications fleet are being specified with engines capable of giving 8 bhp per ton. 'Mr Phillip Brownlow, chief motor transport officer, told CM this week that this was a voluntary move aimed at reducing both traffic congestion and atmospheric pollution.
The Post Office pioneered more powerful Vehicles in 1966 when it decided to specify a minimum power/weight ratio for its heavy vehicles. It decided on 8 bhp then but, after consulting CM's annual buyers' guide, realized that the number of engines available capable of that level of output was too low to be practicable. It compromised and settled for 7 bhp per ton but at the same time laid down minimum in-cab noise levels. "This caused a stir among manufacturers", said Mr Brownlow, and development work was required before the PO's specification could be met.
Now the Post Office has decided to opt for 8 bhp because such engines are more widely available. Asked about future limits, Mr Brownlow said he expected 9 or 10 bhplton to be required for his fleet within five years.