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The government has rejected the concept of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) on UK roads as "impractical" on both a "permanent or trial basis". Transport secretary Ruth Kelly, in her long-awaited response to the findings of the independent Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) report, commissioned by the DfT, claims LHVs could lead to an increase in CO2 emissions due to goods shifting from rail to road and describes them as "not compatible with British roads".

She adds: "Not only are there  clear environmental drawbacks, but such vehicles would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions, while providing the infrastructure to accommodate them would require substantial investment." The report looked at a number of scenarios from small increases in length and weight, through to 34m, 82-tonne vehicles. However, James Hookham, FTA director of policy, says the government's response is "sadly negative and blinkered", at a time when rising oil prices and climate change are high on the national agenda.

He adds: "If CO2 savings are the single most important factor in the secretary of state's decision, then she has just kicked into touch the most effective means of achieving double-digit carbon savings in the road freight sector." In its response, the DfT does concede there could be worthwhile benefits from permitting "a modest increase in the length of current articulated vehicles", but as MT went to press, the DfT was unable to provide clarification on this. The government  says it will consider the issue further in the context of its ongoing strategic review of freight.

Jack Semple, RHA director of policy, adds: "One of the interesting aspects of the government's response is that it clearly opens the door for longer semi-trailers, 18.75m in length." Dick Denby, boss of Denby Transport, who supports LHV trials, feels this is a missed opportunity. "The secretary of state rejected the report before she read it, and again after she read it," he says. The report can be viewed in full by clicking here.