Updated May 10, 2023
The government has approved the use of longer trucks on British roads, saying they will make companies more efficient and cut emissions.
The industry welcomed the move, saying it meant more goods could be transported using fewer vehicles.
One campaign group has warned of the larger tail swing, which means its rear end covers a larger area when turning, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.
Ministers said the trucks, which have been tested since 2011, were safe.
There are already about 3,000 trucks of this type in use. It is 18.55 metres long, about 2.05 metres longer than the standard size.
However, from May 31, any business in England, Scotland and Wales will be allowed to use it.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the vehicles would help businesses be more productive. For example, bakery chain Greggs – which has been using the vehicles since 2013 – says it can carry 15% more goods than usual on a longer trailer.
The government said the move was set to deliver economic benefits of £1.4 billion and remove one standard-sized trailer from the road for every 12 journeys.
It is estimated that these vehicles will prevent the release of 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over 11 years.
The DfT also said the vehicles were involved in “around 61% fewer personal injury collisions than conventional trucks”.
“More efficient trains”
However, the Campaign for Better Transport said the change was a “very reactionary step” and would “do nothing to address carbon emissions or air pollution”.
Spokesman Norman Baker added that the trucks’ greater “tail swing” presented a “danger to other road users and pedestrians”.
He added: “Instead of longer trucks, the Government should be working to ensure more goods are moved by rail – an efficient, safe and clean alternative with one freight train capable of removing up to 129 trucks from our roads.”
A government-commissioned report published in July 2021 revealed that 58 people were injured in accidents involving long-haul trucks between 2012 and 2020.
Under the new rules, operators will be legally required to conduct risk assessments and ensure they are taking appropriate routes.
Longer trucks will still have the same 44-ton weight limit as those using standard trailers.
However, a spokesman for the Road Transport Association urged the government to go ahead by increasing the permissible weight to 48 tonnes.
“This will be increasingly important as we introduce zero-emission trucks to offset the extra weight caused by batteries,” he added.
