Trailer prices face Euro hike
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U Trailer costs are set to rise after a European order which will force manufacturers to install automatic lowering technology on lift axles.
The directive—which comes into force from 1 January 2002—is designed to crack down on axle overloading by ensuring that lift axles are automatically lowered if the inuse axles are overloaded.
The upgrade cost on new trailer prices is not yet known, but manufacturers have confirmed that they would pass it on to buyers.
A spokesman for the Commercial Trailer Association, which represents the interests of trailer suppliers, says the move has its backing as it would improve safety and ensure trailers are not operated beyond their design thresholds.
The Department of Transport is consulting the industry an the changes.
Bob Stacey, head of technical services at the RHA, says: "We have no objections at all to this. We can't condone anyone who is operating an overloaded vehicle. And the ruling will not be retrospective."