How Plating Will Work
Page 44
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THE increased weights depend upon the vehicle concerned being plated. The Regulations say that any motor car or heavy motor car registered on or after February 1, 1963, shall display "securely affixed to it in a conspicuous and readily accessible position by or on behalf of the original manufacturer of the vehicle" a plate the contents of which is defined in Schedule 7 of the Regulations.
So far as an articulated vehicle is concerned, the semi-trailer must also have been constructed on or after February 1, 1963, and carry a prescribed plate. In other words, a tractive unit purchased now could only be used under the new weight limits if the semi-trailer had been constructed on or after February 1, 1963. An older trailer would not qualify the unit for the higher weights.
Provision is also made for the increased weights to apply to vehicles brought temporarily into this country which: (a) are not registered under The Vehicles (Excise) Act, 1962: (b) comply with the regulations relating to vehicles brought temporarily into Great Britain; and (c) have been plated in satisfactory manner by the competent authority in the country where they are registered, but not when drawing the trailer other than as specified in the new Regulations.
So far as trailers and semi-trailers, themselves, are concerned there are similar requirements for plating and similar requirements relating to units temporarily entering this country.
Any unit taking advantage of the new weight limits must also comply with the requirements laid down in the new Regu lations relating to braking efficiency. This, therefore, means that the new weight limits can only be adopted for rigid or articulated units which are both plated and comply with the braking standards which are specified in the regulations, and which are registered or constructed on or after February 1, 1963.
No indicaticln is given of the size or shape required for a plate. The Regulations do, however, stipulate that the lettering should be at least in. high. This is Schedule 7 of the Regulations:—
PART I Particulars to be shown on plate for motor vehicles (including motor vehicles forming part of articulated vehicles).
1, Manufacturer's name; 2, vehicle type; 3, engine type: 4, chassis or serial number ;
5, number of axles; 6, maximum weight for each axle ; 7, maximum gross weight, to include any imposed load of the trailer forming part of an articulated vehicle; 8. maximum train weight to include trailer, if drawn, or trailer forming part of an articulated vehicle; 9, month and year of manufacture.
PART U Particulars to be shown on plate for trailers (including trailers forming part of articulated vehicles),
1, Manufacturer's name: 2. chassis or serial number; 3, number of axles; 4, maximum weight for each axle: 5, maximum load imposed on drawing vehicle, where the trailer forms part of articulated vehicles;
6, maximum gross weight ; 7, month and year of manufacture.
PART Ill
I. The weights to be inserted at items 6, 7 and 8 in Part I of this Schedule and at