News

A Department for Transport (DfT) source has scotched rumours reported in the national press recently that the EU is looking to force member states to accept Longer, Heavier Vehicles (LHVs) on their roads.

The Guardian ran a story on 23 June quoting an unnamed EU source which suggested a binding  directive was being planned for next year. However, the story bore an uncanny resemblance to a recent press release from lobby group Freight on Rail which suggested the same thing.

The DfT civil servant says the rumours are far from true. He says the EU is approaching the topic with an "open mind" and is conducting more research before making a final decision to allow widespread use of LHVs.

However, the EU will allow member states the final say in whether or not to accept them on their roads.

He stresses that any attempt to force member states to accept them would be resisted by the UK and adds: "It only takes France and Germany to vote with us and we have got a veto.

"Given the strength of the rail unions in France I'll leave you to guess which way they will vote."

The DfT is currently researching the feasibility of allowing  an increase in trailer lengths in the UK; this will be completed by December.