What is the Maximum Axle Load in the UK?

 

And how to avoid overloading

Maximum axle load is a key component of road safety, with specified loads dependent on vehicle configurations. The UK government’s regulations on maximum axle load for HGVs are fairly detailed and expansive, so we’ll summarise the main points for you here.

Understanding some key terms:

• Axle weight: The total weight transmitted to the road by all wheels on a single axle.
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW): The weight of the vehicle, including its load.
• Train weight: The combined weight of the vehicle, trailer and its load.

Maximum axle load

For single drive axles, the legal limit is set at 11.5 tonnes. Although this applies uniformly across most standard HGV configurations, the maximum allowable load can vary depending on the number of axles and the distance between them.

Articulated lorries

Articulated lorries come in numerous varieties, with the six-axled version being the most common and having a gross vehicle weight limit of 44 tonnes. This configuration allows for the distribution of weight across more axles, reducing the pressure on each individual axle and lowering the impact on road surfaces.

Articulated lorry weight limits:

• 3 axles: 26,000kg
• 4 axles: 36,000kg
• 5 axles: 40,000kg
• 6 axles: 44,000kg

Plated weights

Vehicles must display a manufacturer’s plate, showing the design weight limit. For vehicles above 3,500 kg gross weight, they must also display a ministry plate issued by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), indicating the maximum legal weight. Both these limits must be strictly adhered to. The manufacturer’s plate includes details such as the name of the manufacturer and the maximum axle, gross and train weights. The ministry plate, often found in the cab of heavy goods vehicles or attached to the trailer chassis, specifies the potential maximum legal weight.

Specific weight limits

• 38,000 kg: For combinations with a two-axle tractor unit and a two-axle semi-trailer, provided the gross weight does not exceed 18,000 kg and the gross weight of the semi-trailer does not exceed 20,000 kg.
• Over 38,000kg: Restricted to combined transport operations and requires specific conditions like road-friendly suspension and adequate axle spacing.
• Over 40,000 kg: The drive axle must not exceed 10,500 kg and must have road-friendly suspension. The combination should have three axles per part, and vehicles must meet at least Euro 2 engine specifications for weights above 41,000 kg.

For vehicles operating above these weight limits, specific technical and operational requirements must be met to make sure that roads can sustain the increased load. This includes having road-friendly suspension, adequate axle spacing, and each part of the vehicle combination meeting the prescribed axle requirements.

Issues with overloading

Concerns regarding overloading fall into 3 broad categories.

• Road safety

Vehicles carrying more weight than they are designed for can suffer from impaired braking and steering, making them dangerous. When a lorry is overloaded, its stopping distance increases significantly, which can lead to serious accidents. Additionally, overloading can cause tyre blowouts, posing a risk to both the driver and other road users.

• Road wear and tear

Overloading accelerates road and bridge degradation, with the cumulative damage leading to potholes, rutting, and the need for more frequent road repairs. It’s estimated that overloaded vehicles cost the country over £50 million annually in additional maintenance.

• Competition

Operators who overload their vehicles gain an unfair advantage over those who adhere to weight regulations since they can transport more goods per trip, thus increasing profits unlawfully. This undermines fair competition and can pressure law-abiding operators to either break the law or lose business, promoting habitual non-compliance.

Legal and regulatory framework

The legal framework for vehicle weights includes the Authorised Weight Regulations 1998 and the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. Vehicles exceeding 41 tonnes must operate under special arrangements, with 44 tonnes permitted for road-to-rail transport.

Violations can result in penalties for both the vehicle operator and the driver. If a vehicle is found to be overloaded in terms of axle, gross or train weight, each overloading incident counts as a separate offence. For instance, a three-axle articulated vehicle that exceeds the plated weights on the first axle, second axle and gross weight would incur three separate offences.

Enforcement and compliance

The DVSA and police have the authority to conduct roadside checks to ensure compliance with weight regulations. Overloaded vehicles can be subject to fines, penalty points and prosecution. During these checks, the authorities may use portable weighbridges to measure the axle loads and keep them within legal limits.

For more specific information and advice about axle loads, contact our team here.