Brian Weatherley in his Big Lorry Blog ( which is essential reading) asked when the Government will make up its mind about longer, heavier trucks. We all want to know the answer but I suspect that they will either be rejected or just maybe allowed a trial.
I have come to this view after listening to Professor Alan McKinnon at the RHA conference earlier in the year. He is heading the study into these vehicles and did not sound too enthusiastic.
Also in his report last week for the Commission for Integrated Transport, he seemed to me to be luke warm. The report said:” The Department for Transport is currently examining the possibility of longer
and heavier lorries being allowed onto UK roads. If permitted, these vehicles
could divert traffic from rail. It is likely, however, that the government would only
approve this change in regulations if any environmental disbenefit from modal
shift would be more than offset by the environmental benefit of load consolidation
within the road freight sector.”
The Conservatives seem keener. It is just possible that longer trucks will be allowed but not heavier. Ironically the public will notice the length of vehicles as they overtake but not the weight.
The other major debate is over light vans. McKinnon’s report forecast a sharp rise in goods carried by vans, and the Conservative Party has called for transit centres outside cities so goods can be off loaded onto smaller vehicles. But small vehicles just mean more emissions. A big truck is more environmentally friendly than a small one.