Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the(a) longest and (b) largest vehicle allowed to travel on the roads in the United Kingdom. [36737]
§ Mr. NorrisRegulations specify a maximum permitted length of 18.35 m for drawbar vehicle combinations and a maximum permitted gross vehicle weight of 44 tonnes for both articulated and drawbar vehicle combinations engaged in combined transport.
Vehicles exceeding these weights and dimensions can operate under provisions contained within the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979. However, for vehicles carrying very large and heavy abnormal indivisible loads the Department authorises each movement by issuing an individual special order to the haulier. Such orders are made under section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future for heavy vehicles using roads in the United Kingdom indicating suggested weight and size. [36738]
§ Mr. NorrisThe present general weight limit in the UK for the largest lorries is 38 tonnes, with 44 tonnes allowed for certain vehicles used for combined road/rail transport. We will be reviewing the effectiveness of the90W latter at the end of the year. From 1 January 1999, the UK will have to accept the European Union weight limit of 40 tonnes for international traffic.
European Union Transport Ministers recently agreed, subject to approval by the European Parliament, to amend the directive on vehicle weights and dimensions so that national rules on dimensions of goods vehicles will be harmonised. This will result in an increase in (i) the maximum length of drawbar-trailer combinations from 18.35 m to 18.75 m and (ii) the maximum width of non-insulated vehicles to 2.55 m.
In the case of buses, there is no harmonisation of dimensions for vehicles used on national journeys. The maximum length of non-articulated buses remains at 12 with 18 m for articulated vehicles. Some member states allow longer non-articulated buses and we will keep our national dimensions under review.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what restrictions apply to 44 tonne vehicles using the roads in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. NorrisVehicles operating between 38 tonnes and 44 tonnes may do so only when taking a container or swap-body to or from a rail terminal on the road leg of a combined road/rail journey. These vehicles must have six axles and road-friendly suspensions, and must carry documentary evidence to show either that the loading unit had travelled by rail terminal or that it was destined to do so.