Hello,


As part of our transport group's event calendar, every year we conduct a two week tour in our Routemaster bus. We have toured the whole of the UK from top to bottom; last year we went over to Ireland and went round right round it anti-clockwise visiting Titanic at Belfast, the Wrightbus factory at Ballymena, Giants Causeway, Achill Island and Father Ted's house for tea!

This year we'd like to go over the channel, but have a question or two and am wondering if anyone can help at all? We'd like to visit Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium & France.

Having looked on various websites they mention a maximum height of 4 metres in all countries I've listed .I don't know if this is law or just a generalisation. If this is the case can I get permission and from where? Having said this I know of a several identical buses across the water (I don't have any contact details for them) but do not know if they are regularly used on the road.


Does anyone have any idea how high the motorway bridges are? As far as I know there is no truckers type atlas listing bridge heights available for Europe.


Alot of questions I know, but any help at all is gratefully received.


Best wishes, Adam.


All the best, Adam.

My bus number (if any): RM2208

As far as I know, only Belgium and France of the countries you list doesn't have a 4m height restriction. Germany certainly does although for p[assing through you could be alright and not require an escort. However, bridges on some Autobahns in Germany (and wires across streets etc on main roads) are still only 4m.
Michelin maps give all bridges under 4.5metres, but biggest problem in Europe is overhanging trees.

My bus number (if any): RTL 960, RMC 1458, RM 1585 and many RTs

Speaking to a Dutch trucker in Belgium last week, he says the trucker's version of Tomtom has bridge heights.

As Brian says, France has no height limit, nor have Spain, Portugal or Sweden. Holland and Germany have loads of 4m bridges. For instance, back in 1980 we had a British bus rally in Amsterdam. The route from Vlissingen to Amsterdam went via Arnhem! I know of full height London buses that have been and are driven in Germany and Holland, but they are not licenced for regular use and officially require a police escort in Germany. The Belgians seem a bit more relaxed, but usually only bridges under 4m are marked. Take a 4.4m bit of wood with you.

There's also an RM licenced for use in Luxembourg but that has to be careful where it goes.

Edited to add make sure your drivers have the DCPC and appropriate licence entitlement and that you use a tacho and obey drivers hours!

My bus number (if any): RML2532

That is correct.
Germany and Netherlands and Austria, Hungary and Czech republic all have lower height clearances. Not just bridges but boom arm traffic lights, high voltage cables and telephone cables are often below 14 ft.

The latest commercial satnavs do include bridges and structural restrictions but not cables tree branches etc that meet the permitted min height.

Not easy, Even trucks have problems and generally stick to permitted routes and we switch to lower trailers for deliveries off the transflow routes.

I thought Spain didn't have any height limit Roy, we have worked there with no problem, but a haulier told me on a Forum (with links to the legislation) there is a height limit of 4m there and it was enforced from time to time, his company had been fined for using over height trailers
Germany you certainly have to be extra careful about as motorway bridges on main routes are only 4m with big chunks knocked out of many of them.

My bus number (if any): RTL 960, RMC 1458, RM 1585 and many RTs

I thought Spain used to run British double deckers at one time?

My bus number (if any): RML2532

No height restrictions in Spain....until Spain got motorways.
They only got a motorway infrastructure post Franco and financed by the EU same as Portugal.

Problem is much of the infrastructure was to German specifications. It's often said that it was deliberate to retard the French, Belgian and British Road Haulage industries. Who knows!?

A rare occasion that the Germans have got it wrong as they are now having to contemplate raising their height levels.

I was told Jack, when we bought RT 2730 in Germany, that all new bridges will be at least 4.5 metres and those still at 4m are to be replaced.
Michelin in France now use trailers of 4.5m and I've seen a few similar trailers whilst in the UK.

Probably right about Spain, certainly UK hauliers get fined for over 4m loads.

My bus number (if any): RTL 960, RMC 1458, RM 1585 and many RTs

Standard EU height restriction is 4m, some countries such as the UK have a derogation, some like Spain enforce when it suits. Getting permission in Germany very difficult and I don't think you will get it for a joy ride.

I would be very careful on this...

Steve

My bus number (if any): RM967 (Driver/Restoration consultant)