Longer lorries

10 May 2023

The government has approved  longer lorries for use on British roads, meaning that you’ll soon be seeing 18.55m long lorries transporting goods UK-wide.

The new longer lorries are in fact about 2.05m longer than the standard size.  They still have the same 44-tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers.  However, it is believed they may take one standard-size trailer off the road for every 12 trips.

Supporters say we may save an estimated  70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere over 11 years.  This means they may help businesses to become more efficient and cut emissions. The move is set to apparently result in £1.4bn of economic benefits.

Those not in favour of longer lorries say the bigger “tail swing” of the lorries presented a danger to other road users and pedestrians. They also suggest freight should be  moved by rail as they feel it is  an efficient, safe and clean alternative to road where one freight train can move extremely large loads quickly.

In any event, there are already around 3,000 such lorries in use. From 31 May any business in England, Scotland and Wales will be permitted to use them.

Whether you are for or against, they will mean more goods could be transported by fewer vehicles, which has got to be a good thing.

There will be new rules and under these, operators will be legally required to carry out risk assessments and ensure they take appropriate routes.  If you would like advice on this, please contact our Regulatory team on 01254 828300. You can read more here.