Two metre lorry extension announced under economy-boosting trial
The Department For Transport will allow certain hauliers to use longer trailers on a trial basis in a bid to encourage growth.
After soaking up the significant financial blows dealt by fuel tax, it is hoped that the haulage industry will benefit to the tune of £33m by increasing the trailer length allowance by 2.05 metres for 900 lorries.
A further 900 articulated lorries will be able to tow an extra metre on top of the current 18.55 metres permitted length during the ten year trial.
Roads Minister Mike Penning believes that the decision to grant up to 13% more loading space will result in fewer journeys whilst maintaining the same level of safety.
He commented: “The road haulage industry is vital to the growth of our economy. By allowing companies to use one truck where they may have previously needed to send two, we can help the sector improve efficiency and save money – which should in turn benefit consumers.
“Independent research showed the potential environmental, safety and congestion benefits of longer trailers and this voluntary trial will give industry the opportunity to demonstrate how this works in practice.
“The trial will be subject to rigorous annual assessments and will be closely and independently monitored throughout so that any concerns are addressed quickly.”
Environmental and efficiency benefits
Andy Mair, Head of Engineering Policy with the Freight Transport Agency, welcomed the news but urged the DfT to issue the permits carefully to ensure maximum effect.
“The Department must avoid a free-for-all auction where operators speculatively apply for high volume semi-trailer permits which are then either not taken up or used infrequently,” he explained.
“FTA research suggests that there are significant environmental and efficiency benefits on offer from deploying these vehicles. 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.
“The allocation process of trailers should seek to maximise the potential carbon saving benefit that their deployment could yield. To achieve this, the process should be based on evidence of what the trailer will be used for, the intensity of their use in terms of vehicle kilometres and load fill.”
The maximum weight of articulated lorries will remain unchanged at 44 tonnes while the possibility of any more length extensions has already been ruled out by the Government.
It has also been stressed that no Government funding will be available to purchase longer semi-trailers under the trial.
Fleet managers or leasing companies wishing to apply should get their expressions of interest to DfT HQ by 2 December.
Click here for more info on how to apply.
See also:
No comments yet
