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Tall Trucks Increasing Bridge Accident Risk

Bridge-bashing cases could soon rise - as new research shows lorries are getting taller.

27th April 2005

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) surveyed 80,000 vehicles on the M3, M4 and M5, plus the A14 and A4, using special laser equipment (right). The Berkshire-based group found many HGVs were 4.9 metres tall, meaning they're dangerously close to the standard height for motorway and road bridges, which is 5.03 metres.

A TRL spokesman said: "Although no manufacturer is likely to make a lorry more than 5.03 metres tall, some are getting close. This doesn't leave much room for manoeuvre, especially as factors such as road resurfacing, tyres and braking - even the effect of wind - can reduce the actual gap available." The height of lorries used to be restricted to 4.5 metres, but the limit was scrapped in 1995.

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