Method and control arrangement for controlling a vehicle operation, comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation

Abstract

Method (M1) for controlling a vehicle operation, comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle (V1; V1, V2, V3) during a vehicle operation, comprising the following steps: - Determining (S1) at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load guidelines relevant to the operation of the at least one vehicle, wherein the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load guidelines comprises a permissible total amount of specific vehicle axle loads; - Determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; - Determining a permissible number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined;and- Adjusting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the specified specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load guidelines associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) in order to comply with those guidelines, wherein the step of adjusting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle includes the step of adjusting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The invention further relates to a vehicle. The invention additionally relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.Prior ArtOn certain roads and road sections, there may be a maximum allowable axle load policy. The maximum allowable axle loads may vary, e.g., with the road designation. For heavy vehicles such as trucks, this is an aspect that must be considered to meet such axle load guidelines. Heavy vehicles such as trucks may be provided with a trailing axle that can be raised and lowered to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. Situations may occur where the driver of the vehicle is driving at an axle load that exceeds the maximum allowable axle load, e.g., due to a change to a lower maximum allowable axle load during a drive of the vehicle.DE 10 2008 054 328 A1 relates to a vehicle having a first axle and a second axle, wherein the second axle can be raised and lowered, and having a measuring unit for detecting the axle load of the first axle and a control unit for controlling the lowering and raising of the second axle, wherein the second axle can be raised and lowered by the control unit as a function of a predefined limit value and the axle load of the first axle, but independently of an axle load of the second axle. The limit value can be individually input and can be changed accordingly. For example, the limit value may meet legal limits for permissible axle loads acting on vehicle axles. The variability of the limit value ensures that the limit value can be adapted to changing law regulations for the maximum axle load, for example, if overregional limits are exceeded. Furthermore, this adaptation to regional or nationally applicable limit values can take place automatically. For example, the control unit can receive positioning data via a global positioning system (GPS), which positioning data are then compared with a list on which legal limit values are assigned to specific regions. Subsequently, the limit value valid according to the comparison can be used in the control device for controlling the second axis.There is therefore a need to facilitate control of vehicle operation including axle load control during vehicle operation.Objects of the InventionAn object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation that facilitates control of the axle load so as to meet axle load guidelines.Another object of the present invention is to provide a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, which facilitates control of the axle load so as to meet axle load guidelines.Another object of the present invention is to provide a system comprising such a control arrangement.Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle comprising such a control arrangement.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThese and other objects, which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by means of a method, a control arrangement, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer readable medium as set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and system are defined in the appended dependent claims.Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The method includes the steps of: determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the at least one vehicle; determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; and adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies. This facilitates control of the axle load to meet the axle load guidelines.According to an embodiment of the method, the step of adjusting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. By distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles, the vehicle axle load can be adjusted efficiently so as to meet the axle load regulations and optimize drivability.According to the method, the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads, the method further comprising the step of determining an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; wherein the step of adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of adjusting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone. This minimizes the risk of too many vehicles traveling in the at least one zone, e.g., a road segment such as a bridge, and the risk of non-fulfillment of the specific vehicle axle load policies of the at least one zone may be minimized. This can efficiently minimize the risk of damage within a geographical zone, such as damage to a bridge due to vehicle overload. The vehicle safety can thereby be further improved by minimizing the risk of damage, for example to a road, bridge or the like, which can impair the vehicle safety.According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographic zone and / or a time zone.More specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by means of a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement comprises or is operably connectable to: a zone determiner arranged to determine at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the at least one vehicle; a vehicle axle load determiner arranged to determine a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; and a vehicle operation adjuster arranged to adjust the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.According to an embodiment of the control arrangement, the vehicle operation adjustment device comprises a vehicle weight distribution arrangement arranged for distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles.According to the control arrangement, the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads, the control arrangement comprising or being operably connectable to vehicle number determination means arranged to determine an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; wherein the vehicle operation adjustment means comprises a vehicle number adjustment device arranged to adjust the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.According to an embodiment of the control arrangement, the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographic zone and / or a time zone.The control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is arranged to perform the method described herein.The control arrangement according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method.More specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by means of a system for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, the system comprising a control arrangement described herein.Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by means of a vehicle comprising a control arrangement described herein.Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by means of a computer program for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, the computer program comprising program code which, when executed on a control arrangement or other computer connected to the control arrangement, causes the control arrangement to carry out the method steps described herein.Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by means of a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described herein.Brief Description of the DrawingsFor a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: FIG. 1 aschematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 bschematically illustrates a top view of the vehicle in FIG. 1 a; FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of three bridge-traveling vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the framework for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 schematically shows a block diagram of a system for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 schematically shows a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.Detailed DescriptionHereinafter, the term "connection" refers to a communication connection, which may be a physical connector, e.g. an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non-physical connector, e.g. a wireless connection, e.g. a radio or microwave connection.Hereinafter, the term "zone" refers to a geographic zone and / or a time zone in reference to "zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle.". The term "geographic zone" may refer to any geographic area in connection with which a vehicle is permitted to operate, which zone is associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. The term "geographic zone" may refer to a road or road segment on which the vehicle is travelling during vehicle operation. The term "geographic zone" may refer to a bridge. The term "time zone" may refer to the time during which specific vehicle axle load policies are required. A geographic zone and a time zone may be combined, e.g., a geographic zone is associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle during a particular time zone, e.g., during a particular time of day.Hereinafter, the term "specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle" with respect to "at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle" may be any policy that may affect vehicle operation with respect to the vehicle axle load. A vehicle axle load policy may be defined by one or more attributes that describe a desired behavior related to vehicle operation associated with a geographic zone and / or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be affected by road conditions, weather conditions, or the like, for example. A vehicle axle load guideline can be static, e.g. a manually drawn geographic zone, i.e. a geographic area in which e.g. the axle load during vehicle operation must not exceed a specific maximum vehicle axle load, e.g. a legal regulation. A vehicle axle load policy may be dynamic, e.g., the policy is automatically established based on rules, e.g., when the road temperature for a particular road type is x degrees Celsius and the amount of rain is y mm / hour, the policy is to adjust the axle load for that zone, e.g., a road section. A vehicle axle load policy may be informative or persistent. An informative guideline means that the operator of the vehicle is informed to adapt to a specific vehicle axle load during vehicle operation. A passing policy means that the adaptation of the vehicle axle load to a vehicle axle load policy occurs automatically during vehicle operation. A vehicle axle load policy may be a rule / regulation set determined, for example, by authorities, i.e. a legal regulation for a specific geographical zone and / or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be a set of regulations determined by, for example, a vehicle owner for a particular geographic zone and / or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be established in the vehicle. A vehicle axle load policy may be established in an off-board zone management system, which may be an external server unit, so-called cloud, an external data center, or any other device capable of being operably connected to a vehicle, i.e., a control arrangement of a vehicle. A vehicle axle load policy may be established by an external data provider, e.g., a road agency, city, commercial data provider, open data provider, transport buyer, etc.Hereinafter, the term "vehicle operation" refers to any operation of the vehicle that may be relevant to any zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. For example, when driving on a forest road, the vehicle axle load that such a road can cope with may be different in wet or dry road.Hereinafter, the term "total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads" included in a zone may refer to the total allowable load in that zone. The zone may be, for example, a road segment, a bridge, or the like.FIG. 1 aschematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.The exemplary vehicle V 1 is a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. The vehicle V 1 travels on a road R.The vehicle V 1 may include a system I for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. System I may include a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The vehicle V 1 may include a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation.According to one embodiment, vehicle V 1 includes a system I for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation of FIG. 4.According to one embodiment, the vehicle V 1 includes a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation of FIG. 4.According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle V 1 is arranged to be operated according to a method M 1 for controlling vehicle operation, which comprises an axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to FIG. 5.FIG. 1 b shows the chassis of the vehicle V 1. The vehicle V1 comprises a frame 2, 3, a front axle X1 with opposite front wheels RF, LF, a rear axle X2 with opposite rear wheels RD, LD and a rear axle X3 with opposite support wheels RS, LS. The rear axle X 2 may be a driven axle with traction wheels.The vehicle according to the present invention may have any suitable number of wheel axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more steerable axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more driven axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more trailing axles.The vehicle V 1 may be provided with any suitable suspension system. According to one embodiment, the vehicle is provided with an air suspension system (not shown). Such an air suspension system may include a bellows configuration with bellows disposed in communication with the respective axles, on either side of the vehicle, according to one embodiment.The vehicle V 1 includes a vehicle axle load detector 122 for detecting a vehicle axle load of the vehicle V 1. The vehicle axle load detector 122 may be any suitable axle load detector for detecting an axle load of the vehicle V 1. The vehicle axle load detector 122 may include one or more load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load sensing device 122 may include load sensing sensors disposed in or included in communication with bellows when the vehicle has a suspension system with a bellows configuration including a set of bellows disposed in communication with the respective axle X 1, X 2, X 3 of the vehicle V 1.According to an embodiment, the vehicle axle load detecting device 122 includes a first load detecting sensor L1 disposed in communication with the front axle X1 in communication with the front right wheel RF, a second load detecting sensor L2 disposed in communication with the front axle X1 in communication with the front left wheel LF, a third load detecting sensor L3 disposed in communication with the rear axle X2 in communication with the rear right wheel RD, a fourth load detecting sensor L4 disposed in communication with the rear axle X2 in communication with the rear left wheel LD, a fifth load detecting sensor L5 disposed in communication with the rear axle X3 in communication with the support right wheel RS, and a sixth load detecting sensor L6, which is arranged in connection with the trailing axis X 3 in connection with the left support wheel LS.According to an embodiment, the axle load detection sensors L 1, L 2, L 3, L 4, L 5, L 6 are weight sensors. According to an embodiment, the axle load detection sensors L 1, L 2, L 3, L 4, L 5, L 6 are pressure sensors which can be connected e.g. to bellows of the respective axle X 1, X 2, X 3.The vehicle axle load detector 122 may include any suitable number of load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load sensing device 122 may comprise any suitable number of load sensing sensors disposed in communication with the respective wheel axle X1, X2, X3 of the vehicle. There may thus be one or more load detecting sensors arranged in connection with one or more of said wheel axles.According to an embodiment, a single load detection sensor is arranged in connection with the respective axis X 1, X 2, X 3, wherein according to an embodiment such load detection sensors are arranged substantially in connection with the center of the respective axis X 1, X 2, X 3.According to an embodiment, for a vehicle having an air suspension system with a bellows configuration comprising a set of bellows arranged in connection with the respective axle X 1, X 2, X 3 of the vehicle V 1, the pressure of bellows in connection with the respective wheel axle is determined by means of a pressure determining means, such as one or more pressure sensors. The vehicle weight is then arranged to be determined by processing the bellows pressure. According to one exemplary embodiment, the bellows pressure is set to a function in which a weight value is obtained from a predefined table for pressure and weight for the specific wheel axle of the vehicle V 1. This can be adapted to the inclination of the vehicle.According to one embodiment, the vehicle axle load detecting means 122 may include means for determining a bellows pressure associated with the respective wheel axle and means for determining the axle load associated with the respective vehicle axle X1, X2, X3 and the vehicle weight based on the bellows pressure and the vehicle inclination.The vehicle axle load of a vehicle may be determined in any suitable manner by any suitable means, such as any suitable load detector, e.g., a weight detector, or the like.Control of the vehicle axle load can be achieved by distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles by raising or lowering the trailing axle X3.FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of three vehicles V 1, V 2, V 3 traveling on a bridge B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The bridge B is a zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The load policies of the bridge include a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The vehicles V 1, V 2, V 3 include a first vehicle V 1, a second vehicle V 2 traveling at a distance D 1 behind the first vehicle, and a third vehicle V 3 traveling at a distance D 2 behind the second vehicle.According to the present invention, an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined is determined. The determination of an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined may be made by a vehicle number determination means, e.g., a vehicle number determination means of FIG. 4.The vehicle operation of the vehicles V 1, V 2, V 3 is arranged to adapt the number of vehicles in the zone, here the bridge B, to meet the load guidelines. The adjustment may include adjusting the distance D 1, D 2 between the vehicles V 1, V 2, V 3, e.g., increasing the distance to reduce the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads provided by the vehicles V 1, V 2, V 3.The vehicles may be arranged to communicate with each other within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement V 2V to facilitate adaptation of vehicle operation to meet the load policies.FIG. 3 schematically shows the frame FW for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle V 1 during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.The vehicle is travelling on a road R. The vehicle includes a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 may be a control arrangement 100 according to FIG. 4.Zones Z 1, Z 2 associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle V 1 are shown. In this example, a geographic zone Z1 is shown in the form of a city and a time zone Z2. The road R or a segment / section of the road R could also be a zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle V 1.An offboard (offboard) zone management system ZM can be provided. The off-board zone management system may be an external server unit, the so-called cloud, an external data center, or any other vehicle axle load sensing device suitable for being operatively connected to a vehicle, e.g., the control arrangement 100 of the vehicle V 1.One or more specific vehicle axle load policies are provided in the framework FW.The one or more specific vehicle axle load policies may have been established in / by any suitable means that may be connected to the control assembly 100.The one or more specific vehicle axle load policies may have been created or provided in / for the off-board zone management system ZM. In such a zone management system ZM, axle load policies can be created, updated, deleted and tracked.An axle load policy may be established by an external data provider, e.g. a road agency RA, a city, a commercial data provider DP, an open data provider, a transport buyer TP, etc.The zones Z1, Z2 are determined which are associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. One or more zones associated with axle load policies may be determined by any suitable zone determination means, e.g., by the zone determination means as exemplarily described in FIG. 4 below.Vehicle operation of the vehicle is then adjusted to meet these policies based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with zones Z 1, Z 2. Vehicle operation may be controlled as example with system I described in FIG. 4 and method M 1 described in FIG. 5.The frame FW may include means, e.g., the control arrangement 100, for processing certain specific vehicle axle loads of the vehicle V 1, zones, and related specific vehicle axle load policies onboard the vehicle V 1. The control arrangement 100 may adjust vehicle operation based on the determined zones Z 1, Z 2 associated with axle load policies and the specific vehicle axle load of the vehicle V 1. Control of vehicle operation may include instructing the vehicle functions to perform actions to meet the specific vehicle axle load policies, e.g., by adjusting vehicle operation of the vehicle V 1 by distributing vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. When the vehicle is no longer in the specific vehicle axle load policy-related zone, i.e., the specific vehicle axle load policies no longer need to be met, vehicle operation may be adapted to any desired vehicle operation, e.g., normal vehicle operation, drivability-optimized vehicle operation, energy efficient propulsion, adaptation to the vehicle operating mode used prior to entering the zone, or the like.FIG. 4 schematically shows a block diagram of a system I for controlling vehicle operation, comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The system I includes a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 described herein may be implemented with any suitable means and thus with more or less than the means described below with reference to FIG. 4. The control arrangement 100 may include any suitable control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement can also be referred to as a device. The control arrangement can also be referred to as a device. The control arrangement can comprise a device or a device or be comprised in a device or a device. The control arrangement 100 may include one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units, or the like, for controlling vehicle operation during vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 may include a control arrangement such as one or more electronic control units located onboard the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units of the at least one vehicle.The system I includes a zone determiner 110 arranged to determine at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle.The control arrangement 100 may comprise the zone determination device 110 or be operatively connectable thereto.The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle may include a geographic zone and / or a time zone. According to an exemplary embodiment of the system I, the at least one zone which is associated with certain guidelines relevant for the operation of the vehicle therefore comprises a geographical zone and / or a time zone.Zone determiner 110 may be arranged to determine one or more geographic zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle.The zone determiner 110 may be arranged to determine one or more time zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.The zone determiner 110 may include a zone information receiver 112 arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.The zone information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive, from an infrastructure via a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement, information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.The zone information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive, from one or more other vehicles via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement, information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.The zone determiner 110 may include a zone detector 114 arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. The zone sensing arrangement 114 may include one or more sensors arranged to sense the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle. Zone determiner 110 may thus include one or more sensors arranged to sense the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle. The zone sensing arrangement 114, e.g., one or more sensors, may be located onboard the vehicle and configured to sense the one or more zones. The zone sensing arrangement 114, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged to sense e.g. a sign with information about axle load policies of a certain zone.The zone determiner 110 may include a vehicle position identifier 116 for identifying the current position of the vehicle. The vehicle position identification device 116 may include a global navigation satellite system GNSS, e.g., a global positioning system GPS, located onboard the vehicle. The global satellite navigation system may be located onboard the vehicle.The zone determiner 110 may include a time determiner 117 for determining the current time. The timing means 117 may be any suitable means for timing. The timing device 117 may include one or more clocks. The time determination device 117 may be included in the control arrangement 100. The timing determiner 117 may be included in the vehicle position identifying apparatus.The zone determiner 110 may include a fetch unit 118 arranged to fetch stored information of the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle. The retrieval unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from a storage device. The storage device may be an internal storage device which is arranged on board the vehicle and / or an external storage device which is arranged outside the vehicle. The storage means may comprise any suitable means for storing information / data about zones associated with axle load policies relevant to the operation of vehicles. The retrieval unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from the vehicle position identifier 116 based on information about the current position of the vehicle. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from the time determiner 117 based on information about the current time.The zone determiner 110 may be arranged to determine at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle, taking into account the current position of the vehicle and / or the current time.The system I comprises a vehicle axle load determining means 120 arranged to determine a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination device 120 may be arranged to determine the total load of the at least one vehicle.The control arrangement 100 may include or be operably connectable to the vehicle axle load determiner 120.The vehicle axle load determination device 120 may include the vehicle axle load detection device 122 for detecting a vehicle load.The vehicle axle load detector 122 may include one or more load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load sensing device 122 may include one or more load sensing sensors disposed in communication with the wheel axles of the vehicle. The vehicle axle load sensing device 122 may include one or more load sensing sensors disposed in communication with a vehicle or included in bellows of a vehicle having a suspension system with a bellows configuration including a set of bellows disposed in communication with the respective axles of the chassis of the vehicle.According to one embodiment, the vehicle axle load sensing means 122 may include means for determining a bellows pressure associated with the respective wheel axle and means for determining the vehicle weight based on the bellows pressure and the vehicle inclination.The vehicle axle load determining means 120 may be arranged to determine a vehicle axle load for more than one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may be arranged to determine a vehicle axle load for more than one vehicle to determine the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the at least one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may comprise communication means for communicating specific vehicle axle loads of the at least one vehicle within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The communication device may be included in a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement for communication between the vehicles within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies to determine the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone. The communication device may be a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement for communicating the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone to an infrastructure, such as an off-board zone management system, which may be an external server unit, the so-called cloud, an external data center, or any other device capable of being operatively connected to one or more vehicles within the at least one zone.According to an embodiment, the system I comprises a policy fulfillment determiner 130 arranged to determine whether the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle satisfies specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.The policy fulfillment determiner 130 may be arranged to compare the determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle with the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.The control arrangement 100 may include or be operably connectable to the policy compliance determiner 130.According to the control arrangement, the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads. A total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads included in a zone may refer to the total allowable load in that zone. The zone may be, for example, a road segment, a bridge, or the like.According to an embodiment, the system I comprises a vehicle number determination means 140 arranged to determine an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined.The vehicle number determination device 140 may include a communication device such as the communication device that may be included in the vehicle axle load determination device.The vehicle number determination means 140 may be arranged to determine the number of vehicles that intend to enter the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies and / or that are within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The number of vehicles that intend to enter the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies or that are located in that zone may be arranged to be determined using the communication device.The vehicle number determiner 140 may be arranged to determine the distance between the determined number of vehicles that intend to enter or are located in the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The distance between the determined number of vehicles may be determined using one or more onboard sensors of one or more vehicles within the at least one zone and communicated to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device and / or infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure arrangement.The vehicle number determination means 140 may be arranged to process data on the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads that intend to enter and / or reside in the at least one zone and data of certain information on the number of vehicles that intend to enter and / or reside in the at least one zone and data on specific vehicle axle load policies within the zone so as to determine whether the number of vehicles that intend to enter and / or reside in the at least one zone is an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. This may be, for example, a number of heavy vehicles that intend to drive on a bridge and drive at a certain distance from each other.The system I includes a vehicle operation adjuster 150 arranged to adjust vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.The control arrangement 100 may include or be operably connectable to the vehicle operation adjuster 150.According to an embodiment of system I, vehicle operation adjuster 150 includes a vehicle weight distribution assembly 152 arranged to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. The vehicle weight distribution assembly 152 may be arranged to control one or more trailing axles of the vehicle, i.e., raise or lower the one or more trailing axles. The vehicle weight distribution assembly 152 may include or be operatively connected to the one or more trailing axles to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles.According to an embodiment of the system I, the vehicle operation adjuster 150 comprises a vehicle number adjuster 154 arranged to adjust the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.The vehicle number adjustment means 154 may comprise or be operably connectable to means for controlling the distance to other vehicles that intend to enter or are operably connectable to the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.The vehicle number adjuster 154 may adjust the number of vehicles entering or located in the at least one zone based on a determined allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. This may be, for example, a number of heavy vehicles that intend to drive on a bridge and travel at a certain distance from each other, wherein the adjustment includes an increase in the distance between the vehicles to reduce the number of vehicles within the zone so as to meet the specific axle load guidelines within the zone.According to an embodiment, the system I comprises an informing device 160 arranged to inform a vehicle operator that the vehicle operation adjusts the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.The information device 160 may include one or more display units. The one or more display units may include the display unit on the instrument panel of the vehicle, a head-up display unit, a display unit providing a display on the front windshield, a display on a smartphone and / or tablet of the vehicle operator, or the like. The information device 160 may include an acoustic information device. The acoustic information device may be a voice message, an alarm, or the like. The informing device 160 may include a tactile informing device. The tactile information device may be vibrations in the steering wheel, vibrations in the driver's seat, or the like, to warn the driver.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the zone determining means 110 via a connection 10. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the link 10 to receive a signal from the device 110 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the zone information receiving unit 112 via a connection 12. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the link 12 to receive a signal from the zone information receiving unit 112 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the zone detection arrangement 114 via a connection 14. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the link 14 to receive a signal from the zone detection arrangement 114 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle position identification device 116 via a link 16. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the link 16 to receive a signal from the vehicle position identification device 116 representing data about the position of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the time determining means 117 via a connection 17. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 17 to receive a signal from the time determining means 117 representing data about the current time.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the fetch unit 118 via a connection 18a. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 18 ato send a signal to the retrieval unit 118 which represents data about the position of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the fetch unit 118 via a connection 18b. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 18 bto send a signal representing data over the current time to the retrieval unit 118.The fetch unit 118 may be arranged to process the data about the position of the vehicle and / or the data about the current time to determine one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the fetch unit 118 via a connection 18c. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 18c to receive a signal from the fetch unit 118 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to one embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle axle load determination device 120 via a link 20. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 20 to receive a signal from the vehicle axle load determination device 120, which signal represents data about the vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle.According to one embodiment of the invention, the control assembly 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle axle load detector 122 via a link 22. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 22 to receive a signal from the vehicle axle load detection device 122, which signal represents data on the detected vehicle axle load of the vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the policy fulfillment determiner 130 via a connection 30a. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 30 ato send a signal to the policy fulfillment determiner 130, which signal represents data about the determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the policy fulfillment determiner 130 via a connection 30 b. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 30b to send a signal to the policy compliance determiner 130, representing data about specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the policy fulfillment determiner 130 via a connection 30c. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 30c to receive a signal from the policy fulfillment determiner 130, which signal represents data on whether the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle satisfies specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. If the policies are not met, the data may include data on how far the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle does not meet the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle number determination device 140 via a connection 40 a. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 40 ato send via the connection 40 ato the vehicle number determination device 140 asignal representing data about a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle and data about a number of vehicles in the at least one zone.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle number determination device 140 via a connection 40 b. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 40 bto send a signal to the vehicle number determination device 140 representing data on specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle number determination device 140 via a connection 40c. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 40c to receive a signal from the vehicle number determination means 140 representing data on an allowed number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined to meet specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. If the policies are not fulfilled, the data may include data about an adjustment of the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.According to one embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle operation adjuster 150 via a link 50a. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged to send a signal representing data about a particular specific vehicle axle load to the vehicle operation adjuster 150 via the link 50a.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle operation adjuster 150 via a link 50b. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the link 50b to send a signal to the vehicle operation adjuster 150 representing data on specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.According to an embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is arranged to send a signal to the vehicle operation adjuster 150 representing data about a required adjustment based on information from the policy fulfillment determiner 130.The vehicle operation adjuster 150 may be arranged to process the data about a particular specific vehicle axle load and the data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies to determine a required adjustment. The vehicle operation adjuster 150 is arranged to adjust vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle to meet the vehicle axle load guidelines.The vehicle operation adjuster 150 may be arranged to process the data about a particular specific vehicle axle load and the data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to determine a required weight distribution to meet these policies. The weight distribution arrangement 152 is arranged to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles based on the determined required weight distribution to meet the specific vehicle axle load guidelines.The vehicle operation adjuster 150 may be arranged to process the specific vehicle axle load data and the specific vehicle axle load policy data associated with the at least one zone to determine an allowable number of vehicles in the at least one zone to meet these policies. The vehicle number adjuster 154 is arranged to adjust the number of vehicles in the at least one zone based on the determined allowable number of vehicles in the at least one zone to meet the specific vehicle axle load guidelines.According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is operatively connected to the information device 160 via a connection 60. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is arranged via the connection 60 to send a signal to the informing device 160 representing data on the vehicle operation adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.According to an embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is arranged to process the data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle.According to one embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is configured to automatically control an adjustment of vehicle operation to meet the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone.According to one embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation so that the vehicle operator cannot interrupt automatic control. According to one embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation so that automatic control by the vehicle operator may be disabled. According to one embodiment, the control arrangement 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation such that automatic control may be forced or disabled depending on specific vehicle axle load policies and / or the automatic adjustment of vehicle operation being performed.The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may comprise or be operatively connected to one or more of the devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the system I. The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may be operatively connected to one or more of the devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the system I via one or more suitable link / s. The control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to the present invention may include or be operatively connected to other means.The control arrangement 100 for controlling a vehicle operation comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during a vehicle operation is adapted to perform the method M 1 described below with reference to FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.The system I for controlling vehicle operation, comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, is adapted to perform the method M 1 described below with reference to FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 5 schematically shows a flow chart of a method M 1 for controlling vehicle operation, comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.According to the exemplary embodiment, the method for controlling a vehicle operation, comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during the vehicle operation, comprises a step S 1. In this step, at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle is determined. The at least one zone is arranged to be determined by means of a zone determining means.According to an embodiment of the method, the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographic zone and / or a time zone.According to the exemplary embodiment, the method comprises a step S 2. In this step, a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle is determined. The specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle is arranged to be determined by means of a vehicle axle load determination device.According to the exemplary embodiment, the method comprises a step S 3. In this step, vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle is adjusted to meet these policies based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone. The adjustment of vehicle operation is performed using a vehicle operation adjuster.According to the embodiment, the method includes the step of determining whether the at least one vehicle satisfies the specific vehicle axle load policies. The step of determining whether the at least one vehicle satisfies the specific vehicle axle load policies may comprise comparing the determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle to the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. The comparison may be performed by means of any suitable processor unit, such as a control arrangement, e.g. a control arrangement according to Fig. 4.The step S 3 of adjusting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. The step of distributing the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles may comprise controlling, i.e. raising and lowering, at least one trailing axle of the at least one vehicle.The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies includes a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads.According to the embodiment, the method includes the step of determining an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined.The step S 3 of adjusting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of adjusting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.According to an embodiment of the method, the step of controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is automatically performed.According to an embodiment of the method, the step of adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone is automatically performed to meet these policies.Automatic execution of control of vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, may be forced, according to one embodiment, so that the vehicle operator cannot interrupt. Automatic performance of control of vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, may be disabled by the vehicle operator, according to one embodiment. Automatic performance of control of vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, may be forced or disabled according to one embodiment, depending on policy and / or the automatic adaptation of vehicle operation performed.According to the exemplary embodiment, the method of vehicle operation including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is performed without informing the vehicle operator of the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies.Method M 1 for controlling vehicle operation, comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by system I described above with reference to FIG. 4.Referring to FIG. 6, a circuit diagram of a computer 500 / device 500 is shown. The control arrangement 100 described with reference to FIG. 3 may include the device 500, according to an embodiment. The apparatus 500 includes a non-volatile memory 520, a computing device 510, and a read / write memory 550. The nonvolatile memory 520 includes a first storage section 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, for controlling the function of a device 500 is stored. Further, the apparatus 500 includes a bus controller, a serial communication port, an I / O device, an A / D converter, a time-date input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). The nonvolatile memory 520 also includes a second storage portion 540.A computer program P is provided that includes routines for controlling vehicle operation, including axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation.The program P includes routines for determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to operation of the vehicle may include a geographic zone and / or a time zone. The program P may include routines for determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The program P may include routines for adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies. The routines for adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle include routines for distributing vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies includes a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The program P includes routines for determining an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. The routines for adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle include routines for adjusting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.The computer program P may be stored in an executable form or in a compressed form in a separate memory 560 and / or in a read / write memory 550.When it is indicated that the data processing device 510 performs a certain function, it should be understood that the data processing device 510 executes a certain part of the program stored in a separate memory 560 or a certain part of the program stored in the read / write memory 550.The computing device 510 may communicate with a data communication port 599 by way of a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is arranged for communication with the computing device 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is arranged for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read / write memory 550 is arranged for communication with computing device 510 via data bus 514. The connections connected to the control arrangement 100 can be connected to the data communication connection 599, for example.When data is received through the data terminal 599, it is temporarily stored in the second storage section 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing apparatus 510 is arranged to perform execution of code in the manner described above. The signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 for determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle. The signals received at the data port 599 may be used by the device 500 for determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The signals received at the data port 599 may be used by the apparatus 500 to adjust vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone to meet these policies. The signals used to adjust vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle by the device 500 may include signals used to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies includes a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The signals received at the data port 599 can be used by the apparatus 500 for determining an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. The signals used by the device 500 to adjust vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle include signals used to adjust the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.Portions of the methods described herein may be performed by the device 500 using the computing device 510 executing the program stored in a separate memory 560 or read / write memory 550. When the device 500 executes the program, portions of the methods described herein are executed.The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be appreciated that many changes and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and thus to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

A method (M1) for controlling vehicle operation comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle (V1; V1, V2, V3) during vehicle operation, comprising the steps of - determining (S1) at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the at least one vehicle, wherein the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises a total allowed amount of specific vehicle axle loads; - determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; determining a allowed number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; and adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) to meet these policies, wherein the step of adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of adjusting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).The method of claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of distributing vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles.Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone (Z1) and / or a time zone (Z2).A control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle (V1; V1, V2, V3) during vehicle operation, the control arrangement comprising or being operably connectable to: - zone determining means (110) arranged to determine at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant to the operation of the at least one vehicle, the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprising a total allowable amount of specific vehicle axle loads; - vehicle axle load determining means (120) arranged to determine a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; a vehicle number determination means (140) arranged to determine an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; and a vehicle operation adjustment means (150) arranged to adjust the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle to meet these policies based on the determined specific vehicle axle load and the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone (Z1, Z2), wherein the vehicle operation adjustment means (150) comprises a vehicle number adjustment means (154) arranged to adjust the number of vehicles in the at least one zone (Z1, Z2).A control arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle operation adjustment means (150) comprises a vehicle weight distribution arrangement (152) arranged to distribute the vehicle weight to a relevant number of vehicle axles.Control arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one zone (Z1, Z2) associated with certain policies relevant to the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone (Z1) and / or a time zone (Z2).A system (I) for controlling vehicle operation comprising an axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, the system comprising a control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 4 to 6.Vehicle (1) comprising a control arrangement (100) according to any of claims 4 to 6.A computer program (P) for controlling vehicle operation comprising an axle load controller of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, the computer program (P) comprising program code which, when executed on a control arrangement (100) or another computer (500) connected to the control arrangement (100), causes the control arrangement to carry out the steps according to claims 1 to 3.A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 3.

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