The London Lorry Control Scheme restricts the movement of HGVs over 18 tonnes, but does not apply to rigid or eight-wheel vehicles.
The City Liner trailer is designed for urban operations where conventional semi-trailers are less able to manoeuvre. Its compact box body rides on an 11.025m chassis with twin axles, both rated at 9,000kg, and has a wheel base (king pin to second axle) of 7.40m. In addition, the front axle can be raised and lowered while the rear axle is force-steering, at up to 25 degrees.
“This combination of Krone City Liner and Volvo FM 420 4x2 Globetrotter LXL tractor unit is perfect for manoeuvring in tight corners,” says Martin Tomlinson, Volvo’s head of product demonstration.
“Also, it clearly demonstrates that an articulated vehicle of this specification is equally suitable as an eight-wheeler when it comes to operating in urban areas.”
Volvo and other commercial vehicle providers believe the London Lorry Control Scheme should be reviewed.
“Over the last 30 or so years, technology has moved on: vehicle and trailer designs are now more sophisticated than ever and by using this latest ‘City solution’ from Krone and Volvo, we feel it’s time to put the discussion regarding the restriction of articulated vehicles in urban areas back on the table,” adds Tomlinson.