Just looking on irish rigs and people are talking about 46t limit is coming into effect this year? I take it thats just in ireland i havnt heard anything about this.
The Department of Transport & The Road Safety Authority wishes to inform road transport operators that the 42 tonne derogation for five axle articulated vehicles (i.e. two axle tractor units towing three axle trailers) has been extended until 31st December 2014. With regard to 6 axle combinations, the Minister also recently approved the RSA ‘Review of the Weight Limits for Motor Vehicles and Trailers in Ireland’ submitted to the Department of Transport at the end of 2008, that a limit of 46 tonnes GVW will apply to new six axle (3+3) articulated vehicles. Further details on the 46 tonnes GVW limit will be communicated in the coming weeks.
The Road Traffic (Weight Laden of 5 Axle Articulated Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 20111 gives effect to this extension, and has been signed into law by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Note that it is the intention of the Dept. of Transport, Tourism & Sport that the extension of this derogation will not be permanent and will not be extended again beyond 31st December 2014.
Hence vehicle operators have three years to upgrade their fleets and purchase three axle tractor-units, after which time the national limit for five axle articulated vehicles (i.e. two axle tractor units towing three axle trailers) will revert to 40 tonnes if they wish to continue using them.
Further guidance on the changes being considered in relation to the proposed future national weight limits for six axle articulated vehicles will be communicated in 2012.