The Chemical Business Association (CBA) has welcomed a new law permitting longer lorries on the UK’s roads. According to the new legislation, which came into effect on 31st May 2023, lorries measuring up to 18.55 metres long will now be allowed roads across the country.
The law forms part of the government’s goal to grow the economy, boost productivity, slash road emissions and support supply chains and follows an extensive trial, launched in 2011, which found longer lorries to be safer, more economical, and better for the environment.
Operators will be able to use Longer Semi-Trailer (LST) combinations up to 18.55 metres – 2.05 metres longer than the standard size – with the extra length enabling them to move the same volume of goods using 8% fewer journeys than current trailers, generating an expected £1.4 billion in economic benefits, and taking one standard-size trailer off the road for every twelve trips.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the use of LSTs is also an important, simple, and affordable measure to continue to reduce CO2 emissions from the haulage industry without significant technological and infrastructure development.
During the trial, which saw the participation of more than 300 companies and approximately 3,000 vehicles, a considerable reduction of 70,000 tonnes of CO2 and 97 tonnes of NOx was achieved. That is equivalent to the amount of CO2 captured by approximately 11,600 acres of forest and the NOx emissions of around 2,000 diesel cars per year.
Lorries using LSTs will be subject to the same 44 tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers, and operators will be legally required to ensure appropriate route plans and risk assessments are made to take the unique specifications of LSTs into account. Additionally, they will have to put in place extra safety checks including driver training and scheduling, recordkeeping, training for transport managers and key staff, and loading of LSTs.
Tim Doggett, CEO of the CBA, has welcomed the introduction of LSTs into general use, stating that it holds several benefits for the industry. “Our members are committed to and continually striving to reduce their carbon footprint. This additional option of longer vehicles and LSTs offers a range of benefits to complement the approach, including increased efficiencies as well as reduced mileage and congestion, all resulting in reducing the environmental impact. We also look forward to seeing the benefit of these changes on the wider industry and welcome the government’s commitment to support the haulage industry, which is a vital component of the chemical supply chain.”
William Bowker, Transport Manager at Bowker Group and member of the CBA Future Council also welcomed the change. “By embracing longer vehicles, the UK government has demonstrated their commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation. It is encouraging to see such positive outcomes from a decision that benefits both businesses and the wider community. These extended vehicles have brought about numerous benefits, such as improved equipment utilisation, reduced environmental impact, increased hub efficiency, and even less traffic congestion. One key aspect that sets this initiative apart is the emphasis on safety. Bowker has gone the extra mile by providing bespoke training to their drivers, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle these longer vehicles”.
Citing safety and the impact of LSTs on road conditions as common concerns for those working outside the industry, Lisa Robertson, CBA Supply Chain Lead, said: “Besides safety concerns, the knee-jerk reaction has been that this change will impact the condition of the UK’s roads. However, due to the type of axle used, LSTs will actually reduce the burden on the road and with the extra safety checks and risk assessments operators are legally required to meet, the safety of all road users, which is key for both the government and our members, is retained.”
