Monday 10th October 2005

UK to see US-style road trains?

Government wants double-sized trucks

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Is double-sizing the way to go?

Lorry sizes could almost double to become US-style trains, if current Government proposals come to fruition.

Today, HGVs can be no heavier than 44 tons and no longer than 62 feet. Under the new proposals, the length of the juggernauts could almost double to 110 feet.

Arguments for and against rage. On the one hand, many argue that accidents involving one of the behemoths could result in more fatalities. Being heavier, they are also more likely to damage roads that are already showing signs of under-maintenance. Concerns have also been raised about their being driven on unsuitable roads, such as country lanes and in villages.

On the plus side, many believe they could reduce pollution and the overall number of vehicles, as consignments become consolidated into fewer journeys.

A survey by an insurance portal (www.motorinsurance.co.uk) found however that overall reaction was negative.

The main problem for most of us is that they'll take a lot more space to get past on single carriageways.

So maybe instead of road trains, they should make them railway trains...

[thepeoplespal]

I'm almost certain it should be Aussie style rather than US style. Road trains certainly do not operate US wide (although some states allow multiple trailers).

Having myself been pretty pro - road trains in an earlier discussion the problem of a double trailer combination blocking the view of exit signs at junctions would need to be addressed. Either the signs would need to be raised in height so vehicles could see over the road train or the addition of an extra sign at each and every juctions would be required.

Solve this problem and I'd be happy enough to support having a Road train running on pre-approved routes only. I'd also want road-train operators to be specially approved by the current Traffic Area Officer with regard to the operators prohibition record - any maintenance problems, especially immediate prohibitions and the right to a road-train licence should be suspended.

Just my 2p

(don't know why this is on its own - can you sort it out petrolted)

>> Edited by thepeoplespal on Monday 10th October 11:32

[Vipers]

Current length lorries do sometimes obscure junction signs, especially if your new to the area and are looking for a particular junction off a dual carriageway or motorway.

You sit in lane 2, passing endless numbers of lorries in lane 1, and sod it, missed the bloody road sign.

They should address this problem now, not before its gets evern worse.

How are these bigger/longer lorries going to negotiate the smaller roads?

[dilbert]

No chance of them becoming railway trains.

They're just building more houses and shops on what used to be the sidings near us. Obviously if you want to put freight onto trains, then you have to have somewhere to get it on and off them.

Personally I think we should turn the railways into toll paid motorways. Why the hell not? It seems like a bad idea, and those are the ones that do so well these days.........