a weight question (1 Viewer)

[PeteH]

Earlier this year I came across a small motorhome 'show' in southern Brittany and was shocked at how many 'vans had an apparent Max Mass of 3500Kgs that I would have automatically assumed to be well in excess of 3500kgs. I was looking at 16" wheeled A Classes that gave all the appearance of being 4250kgs.

My theory? For what it`s worth is that the French Manufacturers take the Chassis as supplied, (at say 4250Kg) Build on it and "plate" for the French Market?. Bearing in mind that the Toll Roads (and I think some Emission Zones?) "cut off" at 3500kg, the plated mass at that would mean a lower toll for example?. The fact that the chassis can actually safely carry more, would be regarded as a Bonus?. Never actually seen French "weight watchers" like we have in the UK? Do they Exist? and do they prosecute "Camping Cars?" or just "Camion"?.

 

[John & Joan]

I do not have any doubts about my fitness to drive BUT the GP I have does, I have never seen him apart from once when I handed £150 to him to sign a form to allow me to fly a light plane under new rules. He said he did not believe in it but the rule said OK so he HAD to sign them. He did say that he would NOT SIGN anything for me that allowed me to drive AN HGV LORRY. as all people over 60 were a danger and especially me as I had had an angioplasty 26 years ago. He would demand Exercise ECG, nuclear medicine scan , and and a specialist cardiology consultant referral BEFORE he would even consider me fit to drive a LORRY..
Pease do no try and tell me to change GP practice, as they have no vacancies in ANY of the local ones whose area I am in . Too many extra immigrants in the area and they are all overwhelmed. I am not prepared to wast money chasing a rainbow when a bigoted doctor has his own agenda, mostly money. I would try doctors on wheels but the DVLA only refer back to the listed GP for confirmation.

I can sympathise with you. I had no problem with my old doctors, who had been with the practice since the late 1960s but they all retired and a new doctor did my medical this time. I had been with the lead doctors father from birth. A new to the practice doctor did my medical and said he "THOUGHT" he heard a heart murmur and said he had to put it down on the form, but in his opinion it would not affect my ability to drive! He claimed he was good at detecting them???? I went for an cardiac echo scan which came back satisfactory no further action. This was reported to DVLA in May and I got another form from DVLA in July asking for all the same info (no further medical) and a copy of the scan report again.. I was told by DVLA I could keep driving but they had submitted my renewal to the medical section. In October I queried why I had not had my renewal and that online it showed my licence was "expired". I was sent an email quoting the section of the 1988 Act informing me I could continue to drive and apologising for the delay. I have had appendicitis since then and have had 3 cardiograms that have shown no problems. I am still waiting (9.5 months) for my renewal. This new doctor knew we spent the winter in Spain in the Motorhome and the old doctor gave us enough meds to see us through. The new doc said he had to stick with the guidelines and 3 months was the max. The old doc said he though spending winter in Spain was good for my health (no colds or other problems in 6 years) whereas I had always had winter chest problems every winter while working in the UK. Joan said she through the new doc would be a problem and she has been proved correct. We have settled back in the UK in a new area and changed doctors 6 weeks after that medical. This meant DVLA were still sending forms to the old doctors and they were being passed on to the new practice. I am still glad I had a medical and know I am OK. If I don't hear from DVLA by the 24th I am going to take it to my MP.

I have always advocated going to your own doctor for the medical but after this experience I will go to one of the HGV travelling doctors. This would possibly be a way for you as well.

 

[Emmit]

My theory? For what it`s worth is that the French Manufacturers take the Chassis as supplied, (at say 4250Kg) Build on it and "plate" for the French Market?. Bearing in mind that the Toll Roads (and I think some Emission Zones?) "cut off" at 3500kg, the plated mass at that would mean a lower toll for example?. The fact that the chassis can actually safely carry more, would be regarded as a Bonus?. Never actually seen French "weight watchers" like we have in the UK? Do they Exist? and do they prosecute "Camping Cars?" or just "Camion"?.

There have been postings on here where UK Campers have been targeted by Le Gendarmerie at Vehicle Stops. Maybe that poster could comment as to whether the Police were targeting just Brits and ignoring the locals.