Isra-Mart srl:Government asks if longer trucks could cut transport emissions

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Isra-Mart srl news:

Could a new breed of super lorries soon roll onto British roads as part of the government's efforts to tackle rising transport emissions?

That is the question being asked by a new consultation document released yesterday by the Department for Transport (DfT), which is seeking views on whether extending the maximum permitted length of an articulated lorry by two metres to 18.75 metres would help lower emissions.

Research suggests that the move could increase capacity for hauliers transporting lightweight goods by up to 13 per cent and cut carbon emissions by around 100,000 tonnes each year.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said the proposals unveiled in the consultation yesterday would allow haulage firms to use one larger truck instead of sending two vehicles.

"This will help to make our haulage industry cleaner and greener as well as allowing businesses greater flexibility without compromising safety," he said.

William Stobart, group chief operating officer at haulage giant Eddie Stobart, welcomed the proposals.

"A large number of loads 'bulk out before they weigh out', which means trailers reach volume capacity long before reaching maximum permitted gross weight," he explained.

"This illustrates the point that longer trailers with increased capacities could significantly increase load sizes without impacting on CO2 emissions, and at the same time reduce the number of trucks on the road - bringing benefits across the board to the environment, other road users, and ultimately the retailers and their customers."

The move is expected to be welcomed by environmental groups as well as hauliers, although it could also face opposition from road safety campaigners who fear larger lorries could increase the risk of accidents.

The government has, however, ruled out the use of large 'road-trains' as seen in countries such as Australia, limiting the consultation to vehicles that are 18.7 metres long.