US senate considers truck weight increase
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THE US SENATE is considering a bill that would raise vehicle weight limits from 80,000lb (36.28 tonnes) to 100,000lb (45.36 tonnes) on all US Federal Highways whenever the price of diesel rises above $3.50 per gallon. At present, 100,0001b trucks are allowed to travel on highways in New Hampshire. Massachusetts and New York, in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, and on the tolled 109-mile 1-95 Maine Turnpike.
Speaking at a press conference, bill co-sponsor and Maine Senator Susan Collins said: "Current laws that force trucks carrying more than 80,000lb off the federal interstate system and on to smaller twolane roads simply do not make sense. This legislation would lessen the fuel cost burden on truckers by putting these trucks hack on the federal interstate where they belong." Berser International Cargo Services Ltd has been fined £22.000 with £18.000 costs for negligence which led to the death of a lorry driver. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the case after the death in 2006 of Martyn Smith. who was killed by a sliding metal gate at the site in Newcastle-underLyme. Berser was found 10 have tailed to maintain equipment.
di The government has
granted £56,000 to The Scottish Transport Credit Union to help it offer guidance about pensions and retirement to transport workers. The contract will fund the training of local officers and pension information packs for at least 15,000 people.