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FEW PREMISES will need to be adapted to accommodate 38-tonne, lorries, if they are capable of handling 32.5-tonners, according to the Freight Transport Association.
It has conducted trials with 2+3 and 3+2 artic combinations, comparing their turning characteristics in restricted areas, and has published its initial findings in a planning manual on designing for heavier lorries. A more comprehensive report on designing for deliveries will be published in the autumn.
Turning trials showed that the two vehicles' swept turning widths were less than for 2+2 32.5-tonne combinations. The 3+2 unit's width was 14.5m, and the 2+3's 13.7m, although the ETA recommends that another 4m should be allowed when building facilities as its trials were conducted at maximum steering lock.
It also conducted trials with the 2+3 combination — the option it anticipates most operators will go for — leaving a restricted parking bay 3.5m wide and 10.5m from bay to wall.
The test vehicle managed to complete this difficult manoeuvre, although there was a danger of it losing wing mirrors at one point, and the ETA points out that this is probably the limit to which premises can be built.
Because of these exercises, the ETA argues that there is no need to redesign premises which can already accommodate 32.5-tonners, but they should ensure that obstructions are not put close to areas used by heavier lorries.
As three-axle tractive units are longer than two-axle vehicles, they will swing out further when being steered on full lock, and there will be a similar effect with trailers which have their axles located further forward.
It says concrete or heavy duty asphalt should be used on surfaces used by tri-axle trailers with 2.7m axle spread, as this will have a less wearing effect on their tyres while turning.
Sideguards will impose a 550mm ground clearance limit, and the ETA warns that premises will have to be designed with surfaces that permit this. Similarly, gradients should be designed to cope with rear under-run guards.
Copies of Freight Facts: Building for heavier lorries are available for £1 (post free) from the ETA at Hermes House, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9UZ.