Greener, longer goods vehicles could become a permanent fixture on Britain’s roads as early as next year, the government has announced.
This comes as the Department for Transport published its response to its consultation on the introduction of longer semi-trailers (LSTs), for which the majority of respondents were in favour of their use.
It follows a nine-year trial of the vehicles – which can be up to 15.65m in length – that found them to be safer, more economical and better for the environment.
It’s estimated LSTs could remove up to one in eight freight journeys by carrying the same amount of cargo in fewer lorries.
This would support the government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan by reducing mileage, congestion and carbon emissions.
Following the trial and consultation, the Department for Transport will now consider the use of LSTs on Britain’s roads outside trial conditions, and the environment-boosting vehicles could be rolled out sometime in 2022.
The announcement about steps to reduce the impact of the haulage sector on the environment comes as the UK prepares to host COP26 this November (2021) – the 26th UN Climate Change Conference.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
This government is committed to fighting climate change and decarbonising our transport network, and we are working at pace to achieve net zero by 2050.
“Today’s announcement is a vital step forwards as we work to introduce more environmentally friendly freight to our roads and build back greener.”
