BRF predicts fewer HGVs
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• The number of HGVs on Britain's roads will fall over the next five years, according to a forecast by the British Road Federation.
In 1988, 648,000 HGVs were operating but the BRF report predicts this will fall by almost 5% — to 621,000 — lorries by next year.
The survey also shows the total number of goods vehicles has risen from 576,000 in 1984 to 608,000 in 1987, despite a fall in the number of trucks over 7.5 tonnes and under 33 tonnes. Vehicles between 7.5 tonnes and 12 tonnes fell 25% to 24,000 and the number of lorries between 25 and 33 tonnes dropped 16%. The biggest jump was in vehicles between 33 and 38 tonnes — a climb of more than 100%, to 41,000 vehicles. The second highest rise was in trucks under 3.5 tonnes which increased 43% to 127,000.
The survey, Basic Road Statistics, says traffic continues to
grow at record levels. Motorway traffic grew 14% in 1987 when just one mile (1.6km) of new motorway was opened. Britain's roads remain among the most heavily congested in Europe despite the UK having one of the lowest car ownership levels.