HGV limit rises to 44 tonnes in February
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The general haulage weight limit will rise to 44 tonnes from February 2001— but only for trucks which meet the Euro2 emissions limit, according to the government's 10-year transport plan.
When the Commission for Integrated Transport (CIT) recommended 44 tonnes for general domestic use in March, industry pundits predicted that the move could take years.
The increase has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association, which has been campaigning for a 44-tonne limit for many years. "This is a good example of sensible planning and will improve efficiency, reduce the number of lorry movements and benefit the envi
ronment," says FTA deputy director general Richard Turner.
However; the level of VED has not yet been revealed--Chancellor Cordon Brown is expected to set it in his "green" Budget later this year.
Labour also resurrected its idea for "priority routes" for trucks in the 10year plan, but scotched talk of dedicated lorry lanes on motorways. However, the DOT says "creeper lanes" could be introduced where "there is a large incline and lorries are travelling at very slow speeds, causing congestion".
In general the industry has welcomed Labour's investment in both road and rail.
• See analysis, page 8.