The resumee about STGO in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-tr...United_Kingdom suggests that an escort is required.
Whilst some
extreme vehicles do usually have an accompanying vehicle I don't think that this is universal?
Quote:
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Most UK trailers are 45 feet (13.5 meters) long and, dependent on the position of the fifth wheel and kingpin, a coupled tractor unit and trailer will have a combined length of between 50 and 55 feet (15.25 and 16.75 meters). Although the Construction and Use Regulations allow a maximum rigid length of 60 feet (18.2 meters), this combined with a shallow kingpin and fifth wheel set close to the rear of the tractor unit can give an overall length of around 75 feet (22.75 meters), although combinations of this length are usually used only to carry steel or concrete beams. Providing certain requirements are fulfilled, a Special Types General Order (STGO) allows for vehicles of any size or weight to travel on UK roads. However, in practice any such vehicle has to travel by a route authorised by the Department of Transport and move under escort. The escort of abnormal loads in the UK is now predominantly carried out by private companies, but extremely large or heavy loads that require road closures must still be escorted by the police.
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So what is the maximum (none STGO) length that could be regularly used for general haulage? 60ft trailer plus 15 ft tractor?
What about a 'standard' 45 ft trailer with a long-wheelbase conventional tractor?