The acceptable face of heavies
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• The public would accept heavier trucks if it meant there would be fewer of them on the roads, according to a MORI survey released last week.
About 65% of the 1,067 people questioned this summer were opposed to a weight increase until the benefits were explained. Then 70% were in favour of a heavier weight if it meant less pollution; 66% if it led to fewer trucks on the road; 53% if it would encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail; and 52% if it meant the trucks would not be any larger.
The Freight Transport Association, which co-commissioned the survey, says the figures will add ammunition to its proposal for 44-tonners on six axles in the UK. It claims this would lead to 9,000 fewer vehicles on Britain's roads.
The public also opposed congestion-relieving schemes which would cost them money — they were against increasing fuel prices (57%) or road tax (56%).