🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Longer semi-trailers a “win-win for UK economy”, says Logistics UK
Logistics UK has welcomed the permanent approval of longer semi-trailers on UK roads (LSTs), as announced by government, hailing it as an opportunity to reduce road emissions and industry costs.
Longer semi-trailers are able to transport a higher volume of goods, resulting in fewer vehicles needed and subsequent reduced running costs.
They provide a much-needed economic boost for a sector that is currently facing escalating costs related to decarbonisation investments and soaring inflation.
Chris Yarsley, Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation comments:
“The introduction of LSTs into general service will increase the scope and scale of the goods which our industry is able to transport, increasing efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of delivering for the UK economy. Over the past few years of the trial, our members have proved that LSTs provide operators with a cost-efficient, environmentally prudent alternative to conventional vehicles and our members remain committed to rolling them out across the wider industry as soon as possible.”
The scheme has been on trial for 11 years in the UK, so the vehicles are by no means new to the country’s road networks. When asked about the length of the trial on LBC News, Yarsley responded:
“Logistics UK has been saying to the government for many, many years that they need to end the trial and bring these vehicles into general circulation because the statistics have demonstrated that fewer vehicles are needed to deliver the same amount of load which results in fewer carbon emissions and less drivers and driver hours needed on the roads. So it’s a real win-win for the UK economy.”
He continued: “Hopefully the benefit of this move into general circulation means that a lot of operators now will be given the confidence to actually go and buy these trailers.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 18/05/2023 16:00:00
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In brief
DVSA updating the IVA inspection manual for light goods vehicles
From 22 May 2023, some changes will take effect in the inspection manual for light goods vehicles (N1 manual). There will also be minor updates to the inspection manual for passenger vehicles (M1 manual).
For further details, please visit the dedicated websites.
Logistics UK comments on REUL bill amendment
Kate Jennings, Logistics UK’s Director of Policy, says:
“Logistics UK has been in constant contact with government over the REUL bill and the impact it could have on our industry, and recently raised members' concerns in a letter to the Prime Minister. The change in approach announced by the Secretary of State is one which should smooth over the process, but our industry still needs clarification on exactly what is to be reviewed, to ensure the ongoing security of the supply chain.”
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