UK Government rejects ‘super-lorry’ proposals

Super lorries had been billed as a key weapon in the fight against climate change, yet the government has rejected their introduction in the UK.

Longer heavier vehicles (LHV) can carry up to twice as much as standard lorries, potentially halving the number of lorries on the road.

However, transport secretary Ruth Kelly says that LHVs are too problematic to even allow a trial.

Citing a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, Kelly argues that allowing LHVs onto UK roads could actually increase carbon emissions as they would take freight off the railways.

Furthermore, LHVs would not be able to drive safely on many UK roads and junctions, and as such would require heavy investment in the road infrastructure.

The haulage industry has expressed its disappointment at the announcement.

A representative for the Road Haulage Association wrote off the carbon emissions argument as ‘excuse making’ and added that LHVs would only operate on registered, safe routes, not requiring any additional investment.

The Freight Transport Association are equally disappointed, and have accused the government of favouritism towards the rail lobby.