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The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering authorising longer semi-trailers as part of its freight strategy, it said this week.

The possibility of longer trailers is being considered, despite the fact that in June the DfT rejected the idea of having a trial of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs). Although longer trailers do not necessarily mean heavier trucks, the DfT's move does seem a partial  turnaround.

One of the reasons for rejecting the earlier trial was that bigger trucks could threaten rail freight business, which the Government wants to encourage, but it may be that longer trailers without an increased weight limit could be a compromise solution.

The DfT spokeswoman stresses that the issue of introducing longer trailers is a complex one, but adds that the officials will take into account the "views of all stakeholders" before deciding whether longer trailers should be allowed on UK roads.

Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said last week that a Conservative government "would not authorise the use of longer heavy goods vehicles on UK roads".

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is among those which has been arguing for longer vehicles. Last week it was revealed that the FTA will urge the government to consider allowing  longer and heavier semi-trailers on UK roads, just months after the Department for Transport ditched the idea of trialling LHVs.

James Hookham, FTA policy director, says there is no other way of achieving environmental targets on carbon dioxide reductions than looking at the use of heavier vehicles up to 18.75m long.