News

The boss of Denby Transport believes the removal of six roundabouts along a 60-mile stretch of the A1 has strengthened the case for trials of longer heavier vehicles (LHVs) in the UK.

Peter Denby, managing director at the Lincoln-based haulier, says the £95.7m Highways Agency (HA) road improvement project between Peterborough and Blyth makes it easier for the 60-tonne 25.25m LHV concept developed  by his company to work.

Last year, the Department for Transport (DfT) ruled out the possibility of UK trials of Denby's double-trailer LHV.

Instead, officials are currently investigating the potential effects of up to 2.05m longer semi-trailers, with no increase in the maximum weight limit of 44 tonnes.

Denby adds: "Better roads make it easier for the 25.25m trailer to operate with smoother turns and fewer stops along the way.

"We will continue to put our argument to the government that this is the best option for LHVs."

According to Denby, the improved junctions on the A1 at Blyth, Apleyhead and Markham Moor in Nottinghamshire and Gonerby Moor, Colsterworth and Carpenter's Lodge in Lincolnshire will "really help to ease congestion and cut journey times" for haulage firms.

Operating profit at the company for the year to April 2009 rose slightly to £364,751 from £327,868 in the previous 12-month period.

Pre-tax profit also went up fractionally to £335,001, from £328,676 in the year to 2008. However, turnover fell to £7.9m from £9.5m in the previous 12-month period.