§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has examined the costs to haulage operators of additional axles which may be required on existing and new trucks as a result of his heavy lorry proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HowellI am advised that the cost of an extra axle will depend on the technical specification of equipment fitted and the amount of extra work needed on the vehicle.
Manufacturers have told my officials that approximate costs excluding VAT are likely to be in the region of
- £1,500 to £2,000 for new trailers
- £2,000 to £3,000 for existing trailers
- £3,000 to £5,000 for a non-driven axle on a new tractor
- £5,000 to £7,000 for a driven axle on a new tractor
The addition of an axle to existing tractors would present technical difficulties in most cases and, where feasible, the costs would be considerably increased.
Any vehicle fitted with an additional axle will have to be presented at an HGV testing station where departmental examiners will check that all constructional and safety requirements are met.