SMART LIFT AXLES GAIN TRACTION IN ONTARIO AS MTO WILL OFFICIALLY ALLOW PERMITS
In a first step towards regulatory changes, MTO is working on formalizing permit programs for the use of smart lift-axles on semi-trailers. In line with the provinces requirements for safe, productive and infrastructure friendly weights and dimensions regime (SPIF) the permits will allow for smart lift-axles (SML) on semi-trailers with the goal of reducing GHG. Permits for the smart lift-axles will be issued by VIN trailers. These changes were possible thanks to the extensive research conducted by OTA to present their analysis including development of a full business/environmental case with the input of from industry experts, its membership and the in house weights and dimensions team.
According to the OTA fact sheet: “The on-board scale system incorporated into SML must be programmed to read the weight on the tandem/tridem/quadruple axle grouping, the system must automatically raise or deploy one, two or three of the axles of the tandem, tridem and quadruple axle. There must be no driver intervention to raise the axle, but the driver is allowed controls to deploy the axle. Finally, the default, if the system fails for any reason, is to keep the axle in the deployed position.”
Timeline for the special permits we are told are approximately mid-May. For the full article in the newsletter follow the link: http://ontruck.org/mto-to-officially-allow-permits-for-smart-lift-axles-longer-tractors-for-semi-trailers/.