Trial of 1,800 lorries using longer semi-trailers results in 90,000 fewer freight journeys on UK roads, government claims
UK roads have seen up to 90,000 fewer freight journeys as a result of a trial of longer lorry trailers capable of carrying more goods, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
The government said the pilot project involved around 1,800 trucks using longer semi-trailers to transport goods between warehouses and depots, saving up to 10.6 million vehicle kilometres and reducing the number of lorries on UK roads.
Announcing initial results after four years of the trial this week, DfT said the scheme had helped to reduce congestion and air pollution. It also estimated the reduced number of journeys saved more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
In addition, DfT calculated economic benefits from the project could reach £33m over the next 10 years, with UK hauliers cutting costs through saving up to one in nine journeys through the use of lorries that are up to 15 per cent longer than the standard 13.6 metre vehicles.
Despite the bigger size of the trailers, the lorries still meet existing manoeuvrability requirements and the maximum weight limit of 44 tonnes for sic-axle vehicles, DfT said.
Larger trucks have previously been opposed on safety grounds, but the government said there was evidence the longer vehicles are safer, claiming they have been involved in around 70 per cent fewer collisions and casualties per kilometre compared to the average for standard articulated lorries.
"Lorries are the engine of our economy and this pilot scheme is helping hauliers deliver the day-to-day goods we need more efficiently," said transport minister John Hayes. "This is good news for consumers, a boost for motorists as it is helping cut congestion with fewer vehicles on the road and it is also helping the environment."
Following the results of the trial - which was launched in 2011 as part of the Logistics Growth Review - DfT said it was consulting with trade associations and trial participants over potentially increasing the number of vehicles involved as well as extending the trial period.
The Department recently faced criticism from MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee, which claimed DfT's efforts to seet the UK towards greener travel were failing to drive progress at the scale or speed needed to drive decarbonisation.
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