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Dutch trial gives thumbs-up to LHVs

3rd June 2010, Page 9
3rd June 2010
Page 9
Page 9, 3rd June 2010 — Dutch trial gives thumbs-up to LHVs
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LONGER. HEAVIER vehicles (LHVs) are cleaner, more efficient, more cost-effective and have the potential to remove millions of vehicle kilometres from the road, according to a new report published by the Dutch government.

The report, which sums up the Netherlands' experience with 25.25m LHVs since their smallscale introduction in 1995, also concludes that none of the supposed problems with LHVs have so far materialised.

In his introduction to the report, Camiel Lurlings, minister of transport, public works and water management. writes: "It is fascinating to know that currently more than 400 LHVs are going unnoticed in everyday traffic in the Netherlands. By replacing regular large trucks, LE-IVs have a positive effect on the overall vehicle mileage. operating costs and emissions. reduction of "In short, LHVs have economic and environmental benefits."

The report points to a 2000 study, which showed emissions of CO2 and NOx can he cut when an LHV is used instead of regular ar In fact, CO2 emissions

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per tonne transported are cut by 11% and NOx by 14%, it says.

If 11,000 LI1Vs, the theoretical maximum, were used on Dutch roads, the number of truck kilometres could be cut by 459 million each year. the report calculates.

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In fact, CO2 emissions This would cut overall emissions of NOx and CO2 by 4% and 6% respectively.

Although costs per km are 6% higher for LHVs than regular trucks, load capacity on an LHV is 40% higher resulting in average savings of 35% per trip.

In addition, none of the issues raised by the anti-LHV lobby have materialised. LHVs have often been accused of taking freight volume off the rails, however, the report adds: 'The general conclusion from the interviews [of multi-modal operators] is that LHVs do not pose a threat to the use of inland waterway shipping and rail."

Despite this, LHVs are still extremely unlikely to be adopted in the UK, with the new Conservative/Liberal coalition likely to only consider a modest increase in trailer lengths.

• See comment, page 3

Tags

Organisations: Dutch government
People: Camiel Lurlings

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