44 tonnes in the docks
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by Karen Miles • Within the next few weeks the Government will decide whether to allow hauliers to operate at 44 tonnes when moving containers in and out of UK ports.
If 3-1-3 artics with roadfriendly suspension are allowed to operate at 44 tonnes to pick up and drop off containers at docks, then the number of container trucks required would probably drop by some 2%.
The move would bring ports into line with rail terminals, where 44-tonners are already allowed.
The DOT flagged up its study into the possibility of extending the use of 44 tonnes to ports in last month's transport debate green paper, but it would be politically dangerous for the Government to sanction greater use of heavier trucks.
The DOT is also anxious to protect the railfreight sector as it nears the end of its privatisation pro gramme.
The extension of 44 tonnes to ports is being pushed by freight customers, but rail freight consultant Graham Zeitlin says such a move would "completely negate" most of the bene fits which intermodal traffic was supposed to receive by its weights concession.