Heavy Goods Vehicles or Lorries as they are commonly known in the UK have been around for many years but have under gone dramatic changes from the earlier models. As the models have improved their abilities in what they can transport has followed accordingly. The first motorised lorry style vehicle appeared in the 1800’s in the form of a steam truck. From this basic technology onwards there are now basic maintenance checks that need to be carried out to ensure the safety of them before use, here are some examples of how they have changed in what they can transport and also some basic checks that should be carried out when driving lorries;

• The major changes in what the Lorries could handle transporting was in 1895 when the first internal combustion engine was put into a lorry. The previous models had not been very powerful this meaning the loads they could carry was less. However, these kinds of Lorries only had a 2 cylinder engine it wasn’t until after the First World War that they stated to make real advances in the power behind the vehicles. These advances included the engine size growing to 8 cylinders, fully closed cabs and electric lighting.
• There are of course some basic maintenance checks you can do yourself but most maintenance work should be left to the professionals, however, there are checks that you should do before setting off on a journey in your lorry. These checks are not just on the parts of your vehicle but also the plan for your route as you will need to take into account things like the weight of your vehicle and height restrictions. This is why you will have to know the exact weight and height of your vehicle so if you do come across a part of a road that does have restrictions you will know whether or not you will be able to get through that stretch of road with out any problems. If you set out a plan before you set off then you come across a local or main road that has diversions or restrictions you hadn’t planned for you will be able to contact the local highways office to be guided through a different route.
• As well as these things when driving a lorry it will be your responsibility to ensure the load is fastened securely. So dependant on the kind of load you are carrying you have to make sure it is secured correctly according to the type of load.