Van Speed Limit?

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O.k. went and dropped in at the weigh station in the Kombi this morning just to see what it weighs and to see if it fell below the magic 2040Kg Department for Transport rule for a dual purpose vehicle..
My Spec.: T6 150 Kombi Highline T32 DSG SWB
Extras as weighed : Stainless steel sidebars (not sure what they weigh)
H&R 40mm lowering springs (lighter than standard springs)
Standard 17 inch Devonports on at the moment for winter
Fuel level showing 25 miles range left.
Me out of the van

Result : 2000KG exactly... Yippeee!

Guess I'll be there at 70mph with all the Cali's and Velles on the dual carriageway after all!
 
O.k. went and dropped in at the weigh station in the Kombi this morning just to see what it weighs and to see if it fell below the magic 2040Kg Department for Transport rule for a dual purpose vehicle..
My Spec.: T6 150 Kombi Highline T32 DSG SWB
Extras as weighed : Stainless steel sidebars (not sure what they weigh)
H&R 40mm lowering springs (lighter than standard springs)
Standard 17 inch Devonports on at the moment for winter
Fuel level showing 25 miles range left.
Me out of the van

Result : 2000KG exactly... Yippeee!

Guess I'll be there at 70mph with all the Cali's and Velles on the dual carriageway after all!
Good stuff... :).. how much did they charge? Just tuck that it of paper somewhere just in case and it's job done.
 
@Thogg They charged me £10.00, so I've put the paperwork in the glove box along with a print-out of your reply from the DFT (hope you don't mind?) so if I get stopped I'll politely explain that this is how I understand the ruling for a 'dual purpose vehicle'...
 
That is absolutely fine mate and the exact reason I posted it on here. You can also use it should you get Gatso'd or averaged.. if you or anyone else gets any snags or has questions on this area give me a shout and I'll do my best to help.
 
Cheers mate @Thogg , much appreciated, that's what's great about this forum, so much really useful info and shared knowledge ...I would have been driving about completely oblivious to all this stuff!!
 
@Thogg, slight aside but on topic; would I be able to use the "Dual Purpose Vehicle" argument if clocked driving my LR Defender (XS Station Wagon with 7 seats and windows) at 70 on a dual carriageway?

V5C shows as Private/Light Goods with Mass in service of 2105kg (even with extras, taking the 90% fuel and 75kg driver out should get just below the 2040kg limit) - if you think it would be worth it, I'm tempted to strip it down to as delivered and get it weighed.

Also, rather than having to argue the case for "Dual Purpose", if you have the evidence (weigh bridge cert?) to prove its meets the criteria is there nothing that can be done with the DVLA to flag it, i.e. in the same way my T6 is now classified as a Motor Caravan on the V5C and allows me to drive at the higher limits?
 
@Thogg, slight aside but on topic; would I be able to use the "Dual Purpose Vehicle" argument if clocked driving my LR Defender (XS Station Wagon with 7 seats and windows) at 70 on a dual carriageway?

V5C shows as Private/Light Goods with Mass in service of 2105kg (even with extras, taking the 90% fuel and 75kg driver out should get just below the 2040kg limit) - if you think it would be worth it, I'm tempted to strip it down to as delivered and get it weighed.

Also, rather than having to argue the case for "Dual Purpose", if you have the evidence (weigh bridge cert?) to prove its meets the criteria is there nothing that can be done with the DVLA to flag it, i.e. in the same way my T6 is now classified as a Motor Caravan on the V5C and allows me to drive at the higher limits?

Hi Dave,

The starting point is to check what extras if any LR include in their unladen weight. The 75kg and 90% fuel was in the VW small print and may be different for LR.

Assuming that they do add on weight for the fuel and driver, then by virtue of the "drive to all wheels" bit at the start of the definition, windows and seats etc go out of the equation.

Certainly my take on LR is that if they are under the 2040kg unladen weight then they are dual purpose.

Be aware that if something is temporary.. i.e. Roof rack then this is not included... however if it is fixed.. For instance Snorkle and extra wing and bonnet plating then it is included.

As for the dvla.. who knows!! But it's worth asking the question. They have their own set of rules when it comes to this stuff. What I would say is that generally what is given with one hand is taken away with another. If you get reclassified you may find that other more attractive elements of owning a LR become obselete.. or you risk being uninsured if doing certain business activities. Realistically it shouldn't be a problem that you encounter daily and I would very much consider it part of the day to day admin of running this type of vehicle.


I hope this helps....
T
 
@Thogg - very informative- thanks. I was forgetting about my roof rack (demountable but 20 bolts to undo suggests otherwise lol), chequer plate, snorkel, etc.!! When I get chance I will strip it down as far as practical and get it weighed.
 
I obviously can't speak for every Copper in the UK but for the majority I work with I would say that you would really really really have to annoy someone to get them that interested in this level of traffic law. The attitude test is everything. It might not get you out of a ticket or court appearance (if you've been really silly- Cali in excess of 100 anyone?) but it will make the whole process a million times easier for both of you. And if the dual purpose speed limits are relevant to the case and the officer isn't listening then that is your evidence at court (realistically it won't get that far if you submit the vehicle details at the first opportunity)
If anyone is stupid enough to open up with " haven't you got anything better to do like catching robber or rapists or murderers" then frankly you deserve everything you get! Not only is that a stupid question.... it's a really stupid question!!

Anyway I'm in danger of reaching for the soapbox now!
 
Hi guys 1st post on T6 having been member on T5 forum. Still waiting for Shuttle to be delivered for September ordered beginning March from which I think I remember in the pages of options one that read something about being registered as a car which was over a grand , just wondering if it adds anything to the saga but having owned a Kombi since 2009 and multiple arguments on Severn bridge re car/ van I don't think the relevant departments even know. Supercilious ex cop at naughty boys speed school just told me to read tax disc
 
So I have just asked the safety camera partnership for their take on it. They send all the images up to the central ticket unit who PNC the vehicle and issue the ticket according to the dvla records. What I don't know, is if there is a "dual purpose" classification at the dvla. I suspect not. Which is why people end up with tickets and fines and points. That's the point you need to contest it.. possibly all the way to court. The system sucks! But it's the one we've got. I'm going to call the dvla today to get their spin on it. ( unless this thing called "work" gets in the way!)
 
Good on ya mate I still don't know speed situation regarding my long awaited Shuttle we shall see cheers Geoff

If it's a Shuttle it's surely classed as M1 passenger vehicle, and therefore normal car speed limits apply. But don't quote me on that.
 
I still don't have the definitive answer re classification. I'm awaiting a response to my email..
This changes nothing re dual purpose etc. At the point you get a ticket you need to challenge it with supporting evidence of dual purposeness! Photos, weight, etc.
 
Thanks Thogg, hopefully collecting it next week I believe it's en route from Grimsby will check VL5 and post the classification
 
Thanks Thogg, hopefully collecting it next week I believe it's en route from Grimsby will check VL5 and post the classification
We don't have a dealer in Grimsby, But all the Container ships dock their so its probably sat huddled in a compound.
 
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