DfT allows hauliers to swap longer semi allocations
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By Chris Tindall THE DEPARTMENT for Transport (DfT) is allowing operators that are carrying out trials on longer semi-trailers to give away their allocation to other irms after some returned their allowance of the smaller 14.6m design.
The announcement of the 10-year trial in December 2011 prompted several companies to apply for fear of being “left behind” by the competition, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA). But some now think the investment doesn’t offer many beneits and are considering returning their allowance.
“I’m not sure it’s going to be a lot of use if others have the 15.65m trailers,” says Alan Glendinning, director at Alan Glendinning Haulage in Penrith. “I applied for one of each and they gave me permission for just one [14.6m trailer]. If you want to be running them then you want the biggest one available.” The DfT says only “two or three” irms have returned their allocation and it is redistributing it. However, CM has learnt that the DfT is happy for companies to swap them between themselves, or even give them away as long as no business has more than 270 on trial.
In addition, the RHA is in the process of developing an online ‘clearing house’ to ease the process. RHA policy director Jack Semple says: “My understanding is that not a lot of hauliers are returning their permits. [However] there may be a desire for an adjustment; some want more, some may not want as many as they have been given.” He adds: “In a year’s time it could be that another 2,000 permits are released; I don’t know, but it’s possible. There’s new technology on the way too. The trial has not been a simple issue, that was clear from the word go. Our policy is to engage with the government and inform members.”