Big truck trials provoke lengthy argument

10 October 2007

Freight groups are at loggerheads over whether the Government should allow trials of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) on the UK’s roads.

This month, the transport secretary is expected to receive a report outlining whether to allow trials of so-called ‘super trucks’, which are up to 25.5m long, or 50% longer than the current maximum limit of 44t lorries.

Freight on Rail argues that the vehicles are unsuited to the UK’s roads on a number of safety and environmental grounds, but the Freight Transport Association believes the trials are necessary, especially if LHVs are proved to be the most viable way of delivering freight.

According to Freight on Rail, LHVs will mean more lorry-miles, not fewer, because demand will be stimulated if transport becomes cheaper at point of use. In addition, the vehicles have safety issues due to their size and lack of manoeuvrability.

Freight on Rail campaigner, Philippa Edmunds, said: ‘At a time when the Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions it seems perverse to allow trials of vehicles which will decimate intermodal rail freight and significant bulk flows when rail freight has a much better environmental record than road haulage.’

The group also claims a recent survey shows 75% of the public are opposed to the introduction of the so-called super trucks on UK roads. However, Geoff Dossetter, the FTA’s director of external affairs, accused Freight on Rail of protecting its own interests.

‘We’re all for rail freight, but our members want to deliver by the most economical way possible,’ he said. ‘And if trials show LHVs are viable, it would be the most sensible option,’ he told Surveyor. ‘Obviously, they wouldn’t be suitable for all roads, but with the ability to load more freight on to less vehicles, it would mean less accidents and lower emissions.’

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