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Following random trials and much discussion, Germany has opposed the introduction of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) on its motorways. Traffic minister Wolfang Tiefensee said that he and his colleagues from the federal states had decided against the vehicles, which are 25.25m long and have a maximum combination weight of 60 tonnes. Fear of safety problems as well as concern over the strength of bridges across the country on the Autobahn network were two of the deciding factors.

Four federal  states in the western part of Germany voted in favour of LHV combinations - the same states where tests are being held at present. These tests may now be finished earlier than previously agreed, and the Germans will not allow new tests on their motorways, even with lighter vehicle combinations. The government intends to send its investigation results to Brussels to be seen by the European Commission which is investigating the effects of allowing LHVs in the EU.

In Britain, a similar investigation is going on and last week lobby organisation Freight on Rail spoke against LHV tests, arguing that such vehicles are not necessary on UK roads. Freight on Rail said it feared that 66% of the load volume transported by rail might be shifted to road transport should LHVs be widely accepted on British roads.

It was also very pleased by the decision taken by Germany, saying that the  UK's roads were even less suited for LHVs than German ones. Freight on Rail campaigner Phillipa Edmunds says: "Neither the German nor the British public want these massive vehicles which would mean more lorries, more road congestion, more road accidents and more pollution." The FTA and RHA have already rejected such claims and highlighted that Freight on Rail has an ulterior motive as LHVs are seen as a threat to rail freight.