It's windy, at what point do I become a high sided vehicle?
Discussion
Something I was wondering, where do you draw the line and admit you are a high sided vehicle? Legally as much as anything, my potato bulkier, even unladen, tends not to get caught in cross winds too badly, but then I seem to manage in a fully freighted curtain sider just fine too, in fact, I dare say a loaded truck without a ridiculous wind sail of a trailer is easier to keep in lane than a big van. But when does common sense go out of the window and a man in high vid turn you round regardless? Is there a hard and fast rule? Thanks
I see what you are saying, but say for example the forth road bridge, I kinda always assume if I didn't go the long way round (which I always have) there would be a police man stood at the end of a bridge deciding who can and can't cross. Or is it a self policing kind of thing? (I should point out at this point that I've only been driving artics for a year and a bit. So still happy to gleam any knowledge.)
Can't comment on bridges but the police were stopping double deckers last year on the M6 south near Carlisle, 4 of our lads were stopped and told to turn round when the wind was bad in February, several had all ready gone over through Shap.
As for me, I use approx 30mph as a limit when pulling empty 16ft DD's, anything more is just uncomfortable.
I also find that if you see the Orange warning light for loss of traction as the trailer lifts the unit is a good indicator, happened to me last year going over Woodhead, I noticed it as a clung on to the armrest however thankfully the car driver behind was flashing his lights to alert me.....just in case I or my pants weren't aware!!!!! 10mph with hazards until I dropped past the Dog and Partridge.
Thankfully my company leave it up to us and never ever moan if we refuse.
As for me, I use approx 30mph as a limit when pulling empty 16ft DD's, anything more is just uncomfortable.
I also find that if you see the Orange warning light for loss of traction as the trailer lifts the unit is a good indicator, happened to me last year going over Woodhead, I noticed it as a clung on to the armrest however thankfully the car driver behind was flashing his lights to alert me.....just in case I or my pants weren't aware!!!!! 10mph with hazards until I dropped past the Dog and Partridge.
Thankfully my company leave it up to us and never ever moan if we refuse.
TooMany2cvs said:
Apologies, fat fingers and tablet do not combine. Potato bulker.
bigfatnick said:
TooMany2cvs said:
Apologies, fat fingers and tablet do not combine. Potato bulker.I've never had trouble with any trailer less than 4 meters high, I've been blown about in some little 7.5t things though.
I like this wind video
http://youtu.be/WUOCD2hsNLg?t=31s
I like this wind video
http://youtu.be/WUOCD2hsNLg?t=31s
Wind Speed Restrictions
Gusts > 35 mph 40mph speed limit on bridge.
Gusts > 45 mph Bridge closed to double-decked buses.
Gusts > 50 mph
Bridge closed to:
~ All high-sided vehicles
~ Transit van style with modification
~ Vehicles with trailers or caravans
~ Vehicles with roof boxes or wind-susceptible roof rack items
~ Motorcycles
~ Bicycles
~ Three-wheeled cars
~ Any other vehicle which appears, in the judgement of bridge staff or the police, to be clearly at risk.
~ Pedestrians
Click here for further guidance on what is and is not permitted to cross when these restrictions are in place.
Gusts > 65 mph
Bridge closed to all vehicles except cars.
30mph speed limit on bridge.
Gusts > 80 mph
Bridge closed to all traffic.
Gusts > 35 mph 40mph speed limit on bridge.
Gusts > 45 mph Bridge closed to double-decked buses.
Gusts > 50 mph
Bridge closed to:
~ All high-sided vehicles
~ Transit van style with modification
~ Vehicles with trailers or caravans
~ Vehicles with roof boxes or wind-susceptible roof rack items
~ Motorcycles
~ Bicycles
~ Three-wheeled cars
~ Any other vehicle which appears, in the judgement of bridge staff or the police, to be clearly at risk.
~ Pedestrians
Click here for further guidance on what is and is not permitted to cross when these restrictions are in place.
Gusts > 65 mph
Bridge closed to all vehicles except cars.
30mph speed limit on bridge.
Gusts > 80 mph
Bridge closed to all traffic.
bigfatnick said:
Something I was wondering, where do you draw the line and admit you are a high sided vehicle? Legally as much as anything, my potato bulkier, even unladen, tends not to get caught in cross winds too badly, but then I seem to manage in a fully freighted curtain sider just fine too, in fact, I dare say a loaded truck without a ridiculous wind sail of a trailer is easier to keep in lane than a big van. But when does common sense go out of the window and a man in high vid turn you round regardless? Is there a hard and fast rule? Thanks
There's no legal definition but on the Severn Bridge a High-Sided Vehicle is classed as anything over 6'9 and you won't be allowed to cross if the restriction is in place.Gassing Station | Commercial Break | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff