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The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) expressed their disappointment at the decision.
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Roger King, the chief executive at the Road Haulage Association, says:"We always knew there would be some aspects of the road network that would be unsuitable for LHVs, which was why we wanted to operate a system of registered routes.'
However, King says the RHA membership is relaxed about LHVs. "While we wanted a trial, many of our members felt that the use of LHVs could have resulted in a reduction in haulage rates."
Geoff Dossetter, external affairs director at the FTA, adds: "It's clear the rail lobby is being protected. We're disappointed that a possible way to improve transport efficiency was rejected without even a trial."
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has also criticised the government for not allowing a trial. Chief executive Steve Agg believes rejecting LHVs without physical trials is a wasted opportunity. "The fact the Secretary of State has used the term 'super lorry' suggests a biased approach. "The sensible decision would have been to specify trials, which could have provided real data to reach an objective conclusion."
One of the big supporters of the LHV concept is Stan Robinson, owner of Stafford-based Stan Robinson Group, who wants to trial a 33.5-metre and 84-tonne road train. "I'm very disappointed, but not surprised," Robinson says.
He is hoping to meet with his local MP to discuss the issue, as well as arrange a demonstration of his concept for the Secretary of State.
He says: "I don't agree with any of the government's arguments."