Longer lorries will be introduced to GB roads to deliver on the Government’s priority to grow the economy, boost productivity, slash road emissions, and support supply chains.
Legislation will be laid today (10 May) to safely roll out the vehicles on British roads from 31 May. The longer lorries will be able to transport fast-moving consumer goods and retail products, as well as waste packaging, parcels and pallets.
The new lorries will move the same volume of goods using 8% fewer journeys than current trailers – generating an expected £1.4 billion in economic benefits and taking one standard-size trailer off the road for every 12 trips.
A Longer Semi-Trailer (LST) is an extra-long semi-trailer, able to be towed by a lorry, measuring up to 2.05 metres longer than a standard semi-trailer. As part of efforts to grow the economy and cut emissions, the Government is changing the regulations to allow longer trailers on GB roads, which it estimates will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere over 11 years.
The move follows an 11-year trial to ensure they are used safely on roads, and operators will be encouraged to put extra safety checks and training in place. The trial showed that LSTs were involved in around 61% fewer personal injury collisions than conventional lorries.
Roads Minister Richard Holden will today meet with Greggs in its depot in Newcastle to see these new longer lorries. For British businesses like Greggs, the change in law will help them see a 15% uptick in its regular deliveries, meaning it can now transport thousands more much loved sausage rolls and baked goods through its regular deliveries.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said:
“A strong, resilient supply chain is key to the Government’s efforts to grow the economy. That’s why we’re introducing longer semi-trailers to carry more goods in fewer journeys and ensure our shops, supermarkets and hospitals are always well stocked.
“These new vehicles will provide an almost £1.4 billion boost to the haulage industry, reduce congestion, lower emissions and enhance the safety of UK roads.”
Vehicles which use LSTs will be subject to the same 44 tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers, and the new vehicles are expected to cause less wear on the roads than conventional lorries due to the type of steering axle used.
Operators will be legally required to ensure appropriate route plans and risk assessments are made to take the unique specifications of LSTs into account. In addition to these new legal requirements, operators will also be expected to put in place extra safety checks including driver training and scheduling, record keeping, training for transport managers and key staff, and loading of LSTs.
It is expected that LSTs will create almost £1.4 billion in net economic benefits by ensuring more goods are carried on fewer vehicles, supporting productivity and boosting the economy. With over 300 companies in the UK having already taken part in the trial, and almost 3,000 on the road, some of the biggest brands including Greggs, Morrisons, Stobart, Royal Mail, and Argos, will be rolling out the longer semi-trailers.
