HEAVIER TRUCKS
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• The article by Brian Weatherley (CM, 25 June) was very timely. It summarised very well how the UK was losing out to its European competitors on lorry weights.
However, Brian was wrong to assume that FTA, like the RHA, had decided not to campaign for an increase in weight for eight wheeler vehicles. As reported in his article, I personally have done a lot of research on the civil engineering consequences of this change, and there are serious problems. However, there is absolutely no reason to assume that a minimum vehicle length limit, if it had to be introduced for these vehicles, would make it impractical for all, or even most, operations.
For these reasons FTA has yet to decide whether or not to campaign for an increase for four axle rigids — possibly to 32 tonnes. That decision will be taken in the normal way by FTA committees reporting to National Council. I am sure it will, as always, be a decision based on the commercial and operational needs undeterred by possible civil engineering difficulties. Roads and bridges are the servant of industry and not vice versa.
Finally, Brian Weatherley's article questioned whether 40 tonnes was a good deal for the haulage industry. I have absolutely no doubt it would be a good deal for British industry to be able to compete on equal terms with the rest of Europe. Whilst I cannot speak for the
haulage industry, I expect they would see their fortunes closely linked with the fortunes of industry in general. So the answer to the question is a resounding yes.
Richard Turner
Director Technical Services, FTA