Assess trailer needs now, urges RHA
The Road Haulage Association notes the announcement of trials of longer semi-trailers lasting up to ten years.
Director of Policy Jack Semple says: “These are extensive trials and they are likely to have a material impact on the industry.
“Mike Penning, the roads and logistics minister, has made clear from the start his intention to bring in longer trailers, on the basis that those who wanted to operate them should be allowed to do so, if that can be done safely. His decision not to move swiftly to regulation, as was proposed, increases the investment risk to hauliers.
“Nonetheless, we welcome his commitment to work to minimise any disadvantage there might be to medium-sized and smaller transport firms – an issue that we have highlighted during extensive engagement with the Department for Transport on the issue of longer semi-trailers.
“It is clear that the industry is split on the issue of longer trailers, with the majority of transport companies opposed to them being allowed on our roads for a variety of reasons that we set out those concerns in our consultation response. That opposition has if anything strengthened in recent months.
“We have now moved past that point, however, and we will be urging our members to assess, as a matter of urgency, how many of the new lengths to apply for, which length suits their business, and which axle designs are best for their operation,” Semple says.
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