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A Long wait
Page 16
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The DfT initially turned down the idea for 25.25m trucks on UK roads, but it is now looking at the concept of longer, single semi-trailers. Will a longer, heavier vehicle ever hit the UK's roads?
Words: Roger Brown
IN JUNE this year, the Department for Transport (Off) rejected the idea of trials for 25.25m longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) on the UK's roads.
The DtT said use of 25.25m LHVs could introduce new safety risks; they would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions; and could lead to an increase in CO, emissions due to goods transferring from rail to road.
Modest increase
The decision was a blow to hauliers including Dick Denby and Stan Robinson who were campaigning for LHVs on the basis of the vehicles' efficiency and potential for promoting lower emissions via fewer journeys.
At the time, though, the Government did admit that there could be benefits permitting ''a modest increase in the length of current articulated vehicles".
Now, the DfT says it is revisiting the idea of authorising longer single semitrailers in the context of its ongoing work on freight policy.
A DfT spokesman says: "The DfT has considered the use of LHVs that are 25.25m long, but have concluded it is impractical to permit them on UK roads, even for limited trials.
"However, our studies indicate there may be scope for a modest increase over existing semi-trailer lengths".
All ELT member states and the European Commission are reviewing the rules on truck and trailer sizes as part of the Logistics Action Plan to improve the efficiency of transport and logistics in Europe.
Any new LHV authorised for use on the UK's roads is likely to be along the lines of Kogel's extra-long Big-MAXX (pictured above), which was launched in Germany three years ago.
The 14.9m semi-trailer can carry 37 pallets, compared with the normal 33 Euro-Pallets. It has a rear overhang one metre greater than a conventional semi-trailer, while the wheelbase has been increased by 300min, which gives an extra 8-10% load capacity within the longer 17.8m overall vehicle length.
Currently, the overall permissible Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of these longer attics has been pegged at the normal EU-harmonised 40-tonne limit. But survey results suggest the longer semi-trailer could help reduce traffic congestion by up to 8%.
In late 2007, the Czech Republic government gave permission to its domestic hauliers to run an unlimited amount of Big-MAXX trailers on any of its roads. Some 300 are also being tested in Germany.
Kbgel believes there is room for both the longer single semi-trailer concept, as well as 2525m LHVs in Europe.
Stobart Group is already involved in preliminary trials of a trailer 950mm longer than standard, which comes with a steering rear axle in order to maintain the current turning circle.
The company has asked trailer firm SDC to construct a prototype ready for off-road testing. Andrew Tinkler, Stobart chief executive, met with officials from the Dff in October to discuss the future for extended trailers, and described the talks as "positive-.
Test phase
A Stobart spokesman says: "Stobart is going ahead with building a prototype for a possible trial, and will continue its discussions".
On the Continent, the suitability of 25.25m set-ups is still on the agenda.
LHVs currently operate in Finland and Sweden, but trials have also taken place in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
A three-year evaluation of 60-tonne 25.25m trucks is starting this month on specified Danish main roads, while the Dutch began an -experience phase" or LHVs in November 2007. It will run until 2011.
Trucks with a 25.25m length limit and a GVW set at 50 tonnes are allowed on motorways in the Netherlands, as well as connecting routes and areas such as industrial estates, ports and transshipment areas. •
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