Roadside checks have pointed to the fact that buses and coaches can be driven whilst exceeding the maximum weight limit when used at full capacity. Buses and coaches must comply with the European Directive 96/53 - which is the basic directive on weights and dimensions - and 97/27, which states the requirements for masses and dimensions for type approval. Directive 96/53 (Annex I — 2.3.1 and 2.3.2) states that the maximum authorised vehicle weight for motor vehicles is 18 tonnes for two-axle vehicles and 25 tonnes for three-axle vehicles (26 tonnes for air suspension). The maximum authorised axle weight for a single driving axle is 11.5 tonnes and 10 tonnes for a non-driving axle. Directive 97/27 (Annex I - 7.4.3.3.1) lays down a value of 68 kg per passenger (excluding hand luggage) which needs to be taken into account for the type approval of Class III or Class B. In order to discover why buses or coaches tend to be over their weight limit, despite having been type approved, an objective scientific study was undertaken. To perform the study, vehicles travelling on international routes were tested and weighed. As most vehicles tested were not travelling at maximum seating capacity, passengers and luggage were also weighed in order to estimate the vehicle weights and axle loads for maximum seating capacity. The document is structured as follows: • Chapter 2 Methodology • Chapter 3 Results • Chapter 4 Conclusions. (Author/publisher)
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