A Dutch Double Up

THE DUTCH transport authority has recently given the green light to a trial on the public highway of the so-called ‘Super Eco Combi’ or A-double; a 32m long combination incorporating two 13.6m length trailers.
The trial of the longer combination is set to start on public roads in summer this year, preceded by initial trials on a test track. It follows sustained lobbying by a number of hauliers in the country and those involved in the trial suggest an overall reduction in CO2 output of up to 27% may result.
The Dutch have been inspired by the success of longer, heavier vehicles in Scandinavia where Finland was the first country to allow 32m combinations on public roads with a maximum train weight of 76 tonnes, while Sweden has begun an extensive test phase with combinations weighing up to 74 tonnes.