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RHA pushes for LHV trials as DfT waits on a 'desk study'
Page 10
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Trade association tells government longer, heavier vehicles might have environmental and economic benefits. Roanna Avison reports.
THE ROAD HAULAGE Association (RHA) has called on the government to seriously consider a trial of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) because they could ease congestion, improve road safety and help the environment.
Speaking at the first Annual Ports and Shipping Forum in London last week. RHA director of policy Jack Semple said some of the association's members had suggested LHVs would be greener, cleaner, safer, more efficient and better for the roads.
He urged the government to test these theories and find out how suitable LHVs are for the UK's roads.
"Ports such as Felixstowe and Southampton are under intense pressure and running a 25.25m, 60-tonne truck at night on major roads to intermediate distribution centres I could relieve that pressure, allowing ports and trucks to run more efficiently," Semple added. "Such a scheme could also reduce congestion and CO2 emissions" Semple said the government should also consider using money from the Sustainable Distribution Fund to pump-prime the development of night-time deliveries from ports to businesses because this would make better use of the roads when they are less congested, reducing CO, emissions.
A Department for Transport spokesman says the government is waiting for the results of a 'desk study' into LHVs that is currently being conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory and HeriotWatt University.
"When we have that we will considerthefindingsextremely carefully before making any decisions about whether lo run a trial," he concludes.
FOR MORE ON THIS AND RELATED SUBJECTS
www.roadtransport.comiern