The DfT has given more freight operators the chance to join a 10-year trial enabling them to use longer goods vehicles on UK roads.
When it was launched in 2012, the government’s longer semi-trailer trial enabled freight operators to bid for a share of 1,800 vehicle allocations, but so far around 1,250 allocations remain unused.
The trial is now being opened up to allow operators to participate on a ‘first come first serve’ basis.
The changes, which follow a four-week consultation, mean unused allocations will be made available for other operators who are not in the trial.
Stephen Hammond, transport minister, said: “Freight operators play a crucial role in ensuring the wheels of our economy remain well-oiled by supporting UK trade and industry and transporting the goods we need.
“Longer semi-trailers enable freight companies to transport more goods, more efficiently, and should give significant economic and environmental benefits. We want to maximise their use during the trial to ensure we properly assess the benefits.”
Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “Strong demand for permits has been evident from members across the industry. We welcome this new permit availability, both for existing operators and for those who wish to use longer trailers for the first time.”
James Hookham, the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) managing director for policy and communications, said: “The FTA supports the trial of longer semi-trailers, as there are significant environmental and efficiency benefits on offer from deploying these vehicles.
“This is not a vehicle for all sectors and will be most beneficial on journeys where the goods carried are high volume, low weight as vehicle fill can be improved.”
Click here to read the full DfT news release.
I hope that street furniture will not suffer, or pedestrians from ‘overuns’ due to the swept path around corners changing. Overtaking longer vehicles will become interesting too.
Olly, Lancs
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