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Here's the text from the Telegraph:
New super-lorries 'pose threat to road network'
By Rajeev Syal
(Filed: 06/02/2005)
Fleets of "super lorries", which are twice the size and weight of existing juggernauts, will be permitted on British roads under proposals being studied by the Government.
David Jamieson, the transport minister, is "actively considering" applications from hauliers who want to use lorries that are up to 110ft long and weigh as much as 84 tons - almost double the current permitted maximum weight of 44 tons.
Motoring organisations are opposing the plan, but haulage companies insist that the lorries, which are already used in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, will benefit the environment by reducing the number of juggernauts on Britain's roads.
One of the companies that is seeking to use larger juggernauts is Stan Robinson (Stafford), one of Britain's biggest haulage operators.
It has applied for permission to use two standard trailers behind one six-wheeled tractor unit.
Mr Robinson said that using larger vehicles would mean that other motorists would find fewer lorries on the roads. It would also cut haulage costs, which would ultimately benefit consumers.
"It would be better for the environment because it would get rid of the current situation of having convoys of trucks going up and down the motorways," he said.
Dick Denby, a haulage operator, has applied to use a truck called a "B" Double that weighs 60 tons and is 82ft long, with eight axles. "We are not using our roads to the best advantage and so we need to find ways of using them better," said Mr Denby.
"Our prototype has been working in a factory off the public highway, and we are very pleased with it."
Officials from the Department of Transport have examined Mr Denby's lorry and have ordered further testing by the Government's Transport Research Laboratory.
If approved, the "super lorries" will be driven on large A roads and motorways. Mr Jamieson, who is the minister responsible for vehicle registration, said that the larger lorries had several potential advantages.
"We want to do some more work on the safety aspects of the vehicle and to what extent the driver can see other vehicles," he said.
"We are aware that this vehicle could suddenly occupy lots of road space and could move around unexpectedly. But there are a lot of attractions to it."
Edmund King, the executive director of the RAC Foundation, criticised the idea: "This is madness. The heavier the vehicle the more damage we will get to the roads and more disruption for motorists. Also, many motorway bridges are not strong enough for these vehicles."
"B" Double trucks are allowed in Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Sweden and Finland, al‐though their use has sparked protests. In Australia, demonstrators near Cairns blockaded roads in protest against the "B" Doubles which they said were too large and noisy.
Hauliers insist, however, that the weight of the "super lorries" is spread over more axles so that roads will suffer less wear than under present regulations. One study completed in Sweden in 1997 found that 84-ton lorries with nine axles produced less wear and tear on road surfaces than two lorries of 44 tons.
Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough, said that he had driven a "B" Double and believed that it could bring economic benefits to Britain. "It is a splendid idea, because there will be less traffic and goods will be transported quicker."
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Road safety would be improved, since the risk of ONE 84 tonner is certain to be less than the risk of TWO 44 tonners.
I'm far from certain about road damage, which is usually reckoned to rise with the 5th power of axle weight.
I have no idea about bridge strengths.
Sounds like a good thing for haulers and for road safety.
_________________ Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety
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