Heavier lorries will be on some of the island’s roads from the start of next month when new regulations come into force under the Road Traffic Regulation Act.
The maximum weight for lorries travelling over the Snaefell Mountain Road will increase from 32 to 38 tonnes and the same increase will apply to lorries travelling from Douglas on the A1 as far as the A3 at Ballacraine.
Similarly, lorries up to a maximum weight of 44 tonnes will be able to travel on the A1 from Douglas as far as the Snugborough trading estate as well as the section of road from Market Street at Church Road Marina via Victoria Street to Loch Promenade.
The standard maximumu weight for most island roads is 32 tonnes but some, such as Strang Road, (7.5 tonnes) carry lower weight restrictions.
Acting director of highways, Derek Sewell said the changes were in response to demand and brought the island closer to limits in the UK, which usually are at least 38 tonnes.
‘We do get requests from haulage associations and other road users who want us to make the changes,’ he said.
‘There are cost and efficiency implications for businesses in the Isle of Man because many materials from off island come in on the Ben my Chree and are transported to shops and supermarkets around the island, so it does allow easier access. It is more cost effective for them.’
In fact, lorries meeting the new 38 tonne limit won’t actually be any bigger because previously they had to run without a full load to comply with the restrictions. In some cases goods had to be distributed among smaller vehicles on arriving in the island.
However drivers will see a difference in those lorries meeting the 44 tonne restriction as these will have an extra axle.
‘The benefit is not just to the haulier but to the general motorist and to the Highway Authority too,’ Mr Sewell said.
‘It means we reduce the overall number of commercial vehicle journeys on the road.’
Fewer slightly heavier lorries should also mean less wear and tear on the roads and therefore less maintenance, he said, as well as creating fewer harmful exhaust emissions.
A consultation was carried out on the proposals last autumn - between October and December - but no objections were lodged against them.
The island’s narrow and often twisty roads mean weight limits are generally lower here than in the UK.
Members of the island’s Institute of Advanced Motorists said they could see no real safety implications with the changes.
Chairman Chris Roughly the change had not caused them any concerns: ‘The speed limit here is tighter than in the UK and they are restricted to a maximum of 40mph anyway. I can’t see any problem with it and it’s probably an advantage to be more in line with the UK,’ he said.