Articulated Lorries

[colin(bridgend)]

What is the reasoning for the third axle on the tractor unit of articulated lorries in this country? I thought it was so that they could carry up to 44 tonnes maximum weight in conformation with EU requirements. However having been in France for two weeks and covering almost 900 miles I did not see one tractor unit with three axles. If the French restrict the loads on their highways why do we have to conform with EU legislation? It is these heavy goods vehicles which are causing the rutting in our roads and the eventual accidents associated with them. It appears yet again a law for them whilst we must obey EU laws.

 

[trucker]

Colin, I believe it is to do with road tax. If a lorry has the 3rd axle then less presure is put onto the road surface by each axle, thus not wearing the carrageway out so soon, so the road tax is less than a 2 axle artic.

When you see artics with the 3rd axle up it would indicate that the lorry is either empty or carrying a light load

Kevin H

 

[trucker]

Colin, I believe it is to do with road tax. If a lorry has the 3rd axle then less presure is put onto the road surface by each axle, thus not wearing the carrageway out so soon, so the road tax is less than a 2 axle artic.

When you see artics with the 3rd axle up it would indicate that the lorry is either empty or carrying a light load

Kevin H

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012715

 

[Angus1]

Its not just down to road tax, its far more complicated than that.

To operate at 44 tonnes GVW there are also issues on axle spacing and turning radii.

The tax regime also differentiates between `road-friendly` and `non road-friendly` suspension.

Come on, if it was simple we wouldn`t need quite as many civil servants to fleece those of us who actually contribute to the economy!

 

[colin(bridgend)]

What I want to know is if it is EU directive why aren't the French operating on 44 tonnes weight and we are?

 

[ThePlotter]

Colin,maybe they are with your dodgy maths who knows 😱)

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Colin,maybe they are with your dodgy maths who knows 😱)

BAH HUMBUG - May the rain pour on your caravan and all other areas be bathed in sunshine hehehehe

 

[artfulbodger]

I haven't driven trucks for a few years but this is as I remember it....... the lorries running at 44 tonnes have to run at 3 + 3,(ie 3 axles on the tractor unit and 3 on the trailer) and this is purely for the domestic market (ie Great Britain). The limit in europe is 40 tonnes and the trucks run as you have noticed 2 + 3. The odd part of the system is that in the uk it is chaeper to tax a truck for 3 + 3 than it is for 2 + 3 !!

hope that helped......AB

 

[Lutz]

The following information on the above subject may be of interest:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/archive/1997/lw/lorryweightsaconsultationdoc1695