Spardo:
I didn’t read all your link Franglais, but guessed right on the whirly law. What I didn’t know was that they are permitted more than 44 tonnes on 6 axles. That would constitute a convoi exceptionnel and therefore require the beacons. Those cranes look really hefty, so I am not surprised that such an allowance has been made.I remember many years ago reading that an increase in gross weight was made in France for all vehicles with a retarder, and thinking what a good idea it was, and how very good if introduced to Britain.
Not everything the French do is barmy.
I think the current law is 44t on 5 and 45 on 6 axles for domestic moves? Still 40t for International work. There have been lots of rumours and attempts to make it 44 on 6 but there has been a lot of resistance. And it was/is 500kg extra on gross for a proper retarder? I think the D579, down the hill into Honfleur, has/had a low weight limit for trucks UNLESS they had a retarder fitted, when it was/is more. Since the A29 opened I`ve not gone that way.