Penning: hauliers asked to return unused LST permits
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By Laura Hailstone
HAULIERS WILL BE asked to return their longer semi-trailer (LST) permits if they do not intend to use them.
Speaking to CM at the CV Show last week, transport minister Mike Penning said he would write to operators to ask if they would be taking up their allocations.
“If they say to me ‘it’s in next year’s budget’, that’s fine. But if they’re not going to take up their allocation, please let me know because we have a long waiting list,” said Penning.
Richard Fry, director and general manager of Framptons Transport Services, told CM its LST orders are on hold while the firm assessed if they would prove costeffective to run.
“We need to find a solution to operational issues relating to some customers’ infrastructure,” said Fry.
Under the Department for Transport trial, operators have until the end of 2013 to take up their allocations.
“I would be disappointed if we were pressured into making a decision earlier than this,” added Fry.
Road Haulage Association policy director Jack Semple pointed out that in order to meet the 2 December deadline for applications last year, most operators did not have time to think how the trailers would fit into their operation. “There are still technical issues to be resolved; it’s early days in terms of the technology for LSTs.
“Operators need to look at specific routes and customer contracts to see where LSTs would work best for them,” said Semple.
CM understands there are 14 LSTs in operation – 10 with Stobart, three with Fowler-Welch and one with Wincanton.
• Norbert Denterssangle anticipates its first LST trials to start in early June; Knights of Old and Elddis Transport (Consett) will have one each in operation by the end of this week; and CM Downton has four in build for its Pets at Home contract, all of which will be on the road within a month.