In 1982, a random sample of 1527 goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes gross weight was selected from the northbound and southbound carriageways of the m6 near junction 14, the stafford exit, for a roadside survey. A further 21 goods vehicles were selected which were `special types' i.e. carrying or being intended to carry abnormally heavy or long indivisible loads. All 1548 vehicles were weighed and measured. This report summarises the data collected and assesses the extent and the effects of overloading. It was found that about 10 per cent of the 1527 vehicles were overloaded, the excess weight accounting for about 3 per cent of the pavement damage on the m6. Only 2 per cent of the vehicles were overloaded by more than 10 per cent. (Author/publisher)
Abstract