1. These Regulations shall come into operation on 29th July 1983, and may be cited as the Road Vehicles (Marking of Special Weights) Regulations 1983.

2.-(1) The weights specified in Regulation 3 below are authorised for the purposes of section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1972.

(2) The prescribed manner in which the weights mentioned in paragraph (1) above shall be marked is that they shall be clearly and indelibly marked on a plate securely affixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous and readily accessible position.

3.-(1) The weights mentioned in Regulation 2(1) above are the weights mentioned in paragraph (2) below at which the vehicle on which they are marked can, in the opinion of the manufacturer of the vehicle, be used at a speed not exceeding 12 miles per hour on a road by virtue of any order for the time being in force under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1972, provided any conditions (whether or not relating to limits of weight) imposed by or under any such order are complied with.

(2) the weights referred to in paragraph (1) above are-

(i)in the case of a motor vehicle

• -its maximum gross weight,

• -the maximum axle weight for each axle, and

• -the maximum train weight;

and

(ii)in the case of a trailer (whether forming part of an articulated vehicle or not)

• -its maximum gross weight, and

• -the maximum axle weight for each axle.

(3) In this Regulation "maximum gross weight", "maximum axle weight for each axle" and "maximum train weight" have the meanings respectively given to those expressions in Schedule 2 to the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1978(2).

EXPLANATORY NOTE

1. Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 states that if a goods vehicle displays weight markings mentioned in that section, then the vehicle must not display any other weight markings unless these are authorised by the Secretary of State in regulations made under that section.

2. These regulations authorise a goods vehicle, operated under section 42 of that Act, to display weight limits, which the manufacturer considers should not be exceeded when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of not more than 12 miles per hour (Regulation 2(1)).

3. The weights, and their display, are controlled. (Regulation 2(2)).