Longer trailers get the green light for 10-year trial
October 13, 2011
News that some UK hauliers will be allowed to use longer trailers under plans announced yesterday has divided logistics firms.
In what many consider a highly controversial decision, the UK Roads Minister Mike Penning broke the news after a consultation on proposals to allow a two-metre increase in the length of articulated lorries.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is allowing a ten-year trial of up to 900 trailers at an increased length of 2.05 metres, and 900 at an increase of one metre. The longer lorries will operate within the existing weight limit of 44 tonnes.
The government said the trial was aimed at boosting the economy, reducing road journeys and cutting pollution.
The news was greeted with enthusiasm by the UK Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Its Head of Engineering Policy, Andy Mair, said: “FTA research suggests that there are significant environmental and efficiency benefits on offer from deploying these vehicles.”
However, he added: “But it is not a vehicle for all sectors and will only be viable on journeys where the goods carried are high-volume, low-weight as vehicle fill can be improved. Consequently, the number of journeys will be reduced and the number of lorry miles cut.”
News of the longer trailer trial has been met with reservation by other groups. The Rail Freight Group (RFG) expressed “deep disappointment” at the decision.
Policy Manager Maggie Simpsonsaid: “The DfT’s decision to proceed with trials of longer lorries is a blow to the rail freight sector, and raises questions about this government’s commitment to greener transport.”
The RFG claimed that DfT research demonstrated that full introduction of longer lorries would have a devastating impact on the prospects for rail freight growth in the retail sector.
Concerns have also been raised regarding safety, the ability to fully utilise the additional space, and the impact on small haulage firms.
The government is now asking transport firms to apply for a permit to take part in the trial.
In what many consider a highly controversial decision, the UK Roads Minister Mike Penning broke the news after a consultation on proposals to allow a two-metre increase in the length of articulated lorries.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is allowing a ten-year trial of up to 900 trailers at an increased length of 2.05 metres, and 900 at an increase of one metre. The longer lorries will operate within the existing weight limit of 44 tonnes.
The government said the trial was aimed at boosting the economy, reducing road journeys and cutting pollution.
The news was greeted with enthusiasm by the UK Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Its Head of Engineering Policy, Andy Mair, said: “FTA research suggests that there are significant environmental and efficiency benefits on offer from deploying these vehicles.”
However, he added: “But it is not a vehicle for all sectors and will only be viable on journeys where the goods carried are high-volume, low-weight as vehicle fill can be improved. Consequently, the number of journeys will be reduced and the number of lorry miles cut.”
News of the longer trailer trial has been met with reservation by other groups. The Rail Freight Group (RFG) expressed “deep disappointment” at the decision.
Policy Manager Maggie Simpsonsaid: “The DfT’s decision to proceed with trials of longer lorries is a blow to the rail freight sector, and raises questions about this government’s commitment to greener transport.”
The RFG claimed that DfT research demonstrated that full introduction of longer lorries would have a devastating impact on the prospects for rail freight growth in the retail sector.
Concerns have also been raised regarding safety, the ability to fully utilise the additional space, and the impact on small haulage firms.
The government is now asking transport firms to apply for a permit to take part in the trial.
