22.5 metre 'Road Trains' for the UK?
Discussion
Saw this mentioned on the news last week.
www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2005-06-08.9968084539/view
Apart from the weight issue which most of the news item seemed to be concerned with, I feel that the danger posed by overtaking such long trucks, or the frustration resulting from following streams of cars which might result in some drivers taking risks in order to get past the queue, just so he/she could overtake the truck in front should be of greater concern.
Currently, the biggest trucks allowed on UK roads are 44 tonnes and are 16.5 metres long. The ones being proposed are 60 tonnes with an overall length of 25.25 metres.
I understand that the proposal is for such trucks to be confined to Motorways or Dual Carriageways, but who knows of a transport yard or supermarket that backs right onto a Motorway?
www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2005-06-08.9968084539/view
Apart from the weight issue which most of the news item seemed to be concerned with, I feel that the danger posed by overtaking such long trucks, or the frustration resulting from following streams of cars which might result in some drivers taking risks in order to get past the queue, just so he/she could overtake the truck in front should be of greater concern.
Currently, the biggest trucks allowed on UK roads are 44 tonnes and are 16.5 metres long. The ones being proposed are 60 tonnes with an overall length of 25.25 metres.
I understand that the proposal is for such trucks to be confined to Motorways or Dual Carriageways, but who knows of a transport yard or supermarket that backs right onto a Motorway?
I know these have been on here before, and that it was mentioned that trunking and other overnight stuff, would be the preffered use,
how long before, before,
'just use it for a bit today mate, while the transit's in for a service'
I dont really fancy meeting this around town,
had to make a nuiscance of myself with a transport mgr the other day, catching some moron driver flouting a weightlimit, during school holidays
how long before, before,
'just use it for a bit today mate, while the transit's in for a service'
I dont really fancy meeting this around town,
had to make a nuiscance of myself with a transport mgr the other day, catching some moron driver flouting a weightlimit, during school holidays
Before everyone starts jumping up and down, theres a few things posted that need cleared up.
These trucks will never be seen in a town centre, city centre or supermarket.
These vehicles are designed to be used on Trunking only, overnight motorway running shifting stuff from depot to depot.
The weight issue is a no brainer to be honest. The axle weights are the figures that matter, and they will be no higher than the current ones.
From what i have read on the issue there will be no single carrigeway running for these vehicles.
The benefits of these vehicles far outwiegh the disadvantages imo. More space per lorry = less lorries, less lorries reduces congestion and pollution.
I know I will be in the minority in this issue and most will spout the usual 'get it back on the railways crap', but I will say one thing. If it was cheaper to put it on the railways, i would be out of a job!
These trucks will never be seen in a town centre, city centre or supermarket.
These vehicles are designed to be used on Trunking only, overnight motorway running shifting stuff from depot to depot.
The weight issue is a no brainer to be honest. The axle weights are the figures that matter, and they will be no higher than the current ones.
From what i have read on the issue there will be no single carrigeway running for these vehicles.
The benefits of these vehicles far outwiegh the disadvantages imo. More space per lorry = less lorries, less lorries reduces congestion and pollution.
I know I will be in the minority in this issue and most will spout the usual 'get it back on the railways crap', but I will say one thing. If it was cheaper to put it on the railways, i would be out of a job!
tvradict said:
Before everyone starts jumping up and down, theres a few things posted that need cleared up.
These trucks will never be seen in a town centre, city centre or supermarket.
These vehicles are designed to be used on Trunking only, overnight motorway running shifting stuff from depot to depot.
The weight issue is a no brainer to be honest. The axle weights are the figures that matter, and they will be no higher than the current ones.
From what i have read on the issue there will be no single carrigeway running for these vehicles.
The benefits of these vehicles far outwiegh the disadvantages imo. More space per lorry = less lorries, less lorries reduces congestion and pollution.
I know I will be in the minority in this issue and most will spout the usual 'get it back on the railways crap', but I will say one thing. If it was cheaper to put it on the railways, i would be out of a job!
I realise that according to the article, they are intended for major road use only, but there are many truck depots etc,. that require their vehicles to travel on (relatively) minor roads in order to reach them. Also, I suspect that once motorway charging comes into being, do you not think drivers will discover cheaper routes to their destinations?
"had to make a nuiscance of myself with a transport mgr the other day, catching some moron driver flouting a weightlimit, during school holidays"
relevence of "school Holidays"? weight limits are generaly in force throughout the year .....
Being on the receiving end of such calls often brings a smile , and reinforces my belief that generaly, the general public are a complete P.I.T.A.
The most regular are being "cut up " on roundabouts (no doubt whilst attempting a straight line from entry to exit) or being parked outside their houses (presumably on the bit of road that they own !)
Think on the bright side,the cost of Baked beans in Tesco is bound to fall due to the lower transport costs
relevence of "school Holidays"? weight limits are generaly in force throughout the year .....
Being on the receiving end of such calls often brings a smile , and reinforces my belief that generaly, the general public are a complete P.I.T.A.
The most regular are being "cut up " on roundabouts (no doubt whilst attempting a straight line from entry to exit) or being parked outside their houses (presumably on the bit of road that they own !)
Think on the bright side,the cost of Baked beans in Tesco is bound to fall due to the lower transport costs
I thought the government wanted to reduce the amount of freight on the roads and move more to rail?
Surely this will make road transport cheaper and move even more freight onto the roads.
Wouldn't a more sophisticated way getting loads on and off lorries at rail depots be a better idea?
Or better still reducing the food miles of stuff on supermarket shelves. Probably by more localised buying and more small depots.
Surely this will make road transport cheaper and move even more freight onto the roads.
Wouldn't a more sophisticated way getting loads on and off lorries at rail depots be a better idea?
Or better still reducing the food miles of stuff on supermarket shelves. Probably by more localised buying and more small depots.
chrisgr31 said:
These trucks will never be seen in a town centre, city centre or supermarket.
In the same way that speed cameras wouldn't be used on motorways?
Hmm, interesting analogy.
One difference, Road Haulage is policed!
That wagon pictured had 3 pivot points, Stan Robinson is the other UK firm trying to get road trains approved, his idea is to have 2 standard trailers one behind the other, the second hooked to the first using a double axle bogie. Same Idea, More versatility!
These are not being designed for Mr Small Time. These are being designed for the Big Boys, DHL, Stobart, Wincaton, EXEL etc. The people who run lots of freight, depot to depot, 4.5 hours each way. These depots are rarely more than a couple of miles from a motorway, if that, and are usually on a main road. If these are brought in, there will be some leeway in driving on non motorways. But only to and from a depot.
AS for the Railway argument, the problem with the railway is cost. The railway network needs a lot of work to bring it up to standard for carrying vast amounts of frieght, that will cost lots of money, and ultimately, it will be the end consumer who will pay. By Carrying 2 lots of freight in one truck, the price drops. 1 Unit to maintain, 1 driver to pay, but 2 truck loads of freight shifted! Road becomes cheaper still!!
Personally, while I think they are a good idea, I can't see out Anti Road government giving them a second though!
Even the Green Party aren't opposing them!
rich 36 said:
Argos began using wagon & drags for high street deliveries first, and I thought htey were a motorway only option supposedly
I was never aware that Wagon and Drags were ever limited to motorway use! To be honest, Wagon and drags are better off doing high street stuff than artics, at least if its a tight drop, he can drop half his wagon and go in with a standard rigid!
tvradict said:
Before everyone starts jumping up and down, theres a few things posted that need cleared up.
These trucks will never be seen in a town centre, city centre or supermarket.
These vehicles are designed to be used on Trunking only, overnight motorway running shifting stuff from depot to depot.
The weight issue is a no brainer to be honest. The axle weights are the figures that matter, and they will be no higher than the current ones.
From what i have read on the issue there will be no single carrigeway running for these vehicles.
The benefits of these vehicles far outwiegh the disadvantages imo. More space per lorry = less lorries, less lorries reduces congestion and pollution.
I know I will be in the minority in this issue and most will spout the usual 'get it back on the railways crap', but I will say one thing. If it was cheaper to put it on the railways, i would be out of a job!
Well said mateMy mate stu has a truck not much different to the one on the top of this thread. I dont see such a problem with it. it will go as fast as the uk will allow. only the top drivers will be on this type of work. If it means less trucks all the better. He delivers kitchens to building sites down country lanes no problem. This solution is just a wee bit longer
tvradict said:
The weight issue is a no brainer to be honest. The axle weights are the figures that matter, and they will be no higher than the current ones.
As far as the load on the road surface goes maybe, but just how long does it take to stop one of these goliaths in an emergency? They ain't going to be 'nimble' in any shape, sense or form are they.
Another excuse then for our scameraships to reduce speed limits and install yet more scameras!!!!!
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