Archive
Report on Longer and Heavier Vehicles
The final report of the study of longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) undertaken by TRL and Logistics Research Centre at Heriot-Watt for the Department for Transport was published on the 3rd June 2008. This report assesses the costs and benefits of a series of LHV scenarios, varying from slightly longer semi-trailers operating at the present maximum weight (44 tonnes) to 34 metre road trains with a weight limit of 82 tonnes.
In a statement issued on the same day, the Secretary of State for Transport indicated that 25 and 34 metre lorries would not be permitted on UK roads. However, as the report suggests that there could be worthwhile benefits from permitting a modest increase in the length of current articulated vehicles, the Department will give these vehicles further consideration 'in the context of its ongoing strategic work on freight'.
Copies of the full report can be downloaded from:
http://trl.co.uk/store/report_detail.asp?srid=6309&pid=211.