| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re: This may surprise you | |
| Posted by: | Francis Rowe | |
| Date/Time: | 05/03/26 10:09:00 |
| It's a bit alarming how so many of these discussions circle back to SUVs ignoring far more important factors (and using the American term into the bargain showing most of the talking points originate on social media). Like most European countries Germany has seen a switch from water and rail freight to road freight and lorries have got heavier and heavier. Over the same period cross border trade within the Single Market has increased with EU expansion. This is the principal cause of accelerated deterioration of road infrastructure. The interesting aspect of the German discussion not mentioned here is how the autobahns have been identified as a critical part of NATO military infrastructure. They were, for obvious reasons, designed to take the weight of a heavy tank. The cynic would say that the Germans are talking about the poor state of their roads in preparation for putting the repair bill into their defence contribution to boost the proportion of GDP spent to required levels. Hammersmith Bridge was never able to take the weight of tanks although sadly this might become a consideration in the current global environment. A tank weighs several times more than a fully loaded bus - maybe part of the delay to restoration is a consideration that the new bridge needs to play a part in the defence of London. Even if this isn't the case, the most important consideration weight wise is the increase being seen with the electrification of London's buses. |