Q Would you clarify for us whether it is legal
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to tow a loaded articulated vehicle with a heavy breakdown vehicle? We have always understood this to be illegal, on the other hand we have seen quite a number of attics being towed in this way, and we are therefore, wondering whether we have misunderstood the regulations.
AWe have looked into your question about
the towing of laden artics with a heavy breakdown vehicle and find that the answer depends into what classification your breakdown vehicle falls. If it is classified by unladen weight as a motor car, heavy motor car or motor tractor you are restricted to towing only unladen articulated outfits, provided they are broken-down: a broken-down articulated outfit is considered as one trailer only when unladen.
If, however, your breakdown vehicle qualifies as a locomotive, that is exceeds 7+ tons unladen weight and is not constructed or adapted to carry goods, you may tow a laden articulated outfit with it. In this case, however, there is a 20 mph speed restriction on the vehicle.
Further details can be found in the Road Traffic Act 1960 Section 69(1).