While the Department for Transport is usually the very epitome of inscrutability, for once we're picking up some positive signals from Marsham Street on longer semi-trailers.
Of course there is still plenty of time for its desk-based research to run - the report is due back from the consultants in December - but recent publications and pronouncements from the department point towards a softening of attitude.
There was a notable mention in the recent strategy on low carbon transport for example, which stated that if the report was favourable it would consult on changes to legislation in 2010.
A link with the environment in this day and age is a sure indication of that civil servants at least are beginning to see them in a positive light.
Compare this to the debate on Longer Heavier Vehicles: at no point did the DfT - and its political masters - offer a hint that anything other than rejection would come out of that debate.
The news that Iveco has thrown its weight behind the concept is also welcome. Whilst the manufacturer has no stake in either outcome per se (after all, the tractor unit would not change) it clearly feels that its support can help make a genuine difference to hauliers' fortunes.
Let's be clear, longer trailers are the best chance the industry has of boosting productivity, and lessening environmental impact for minimal pain.
If we are serious about wringing this important concession from the government then we all need to get behind this project. It's too big an opportunity to let slip by.