Longer semi-trailers fighting on carbon?
The Department of Transport (DFT) has taken steps to establish the demand of longer semi-trailers, as well as ways on how to present and introduce these vehicles to the domestic marketplace.
This was all done during the autumn months after the FTA asked for an early introduction of these longer semi-trailers to the marketplace.
The Department of Transport (DFT) had to gather enough information and support to justify the demand on the semi-trailers. A focus group was formed to gather points of view and data on these vehicles that would appear on our roads on a regular basis. The group were also asked their thoughts on the combined tractor unit / longer semi-trailer (e.g. extension of the length).
Seeing that the FTA wanted and early introduction, they wrote to the Department of Transport highlighting the importance and also confirming their full backing on the longer articulated vehicle combination being present in the marketplace.
The proposal emphasized the following:
- Allowing these vehicles on the road is on the tactical forces still available to the Government also assisting with the capability of the logistics of the UK and help with the manufacturing attempts in lowering the amount of carbon dioxide being discharged.
- Trials were done on test-tracks confirming the evidence, proving again that these longer articulated vehicles can be presented to our domestic roads with peace of mind as it meets all the swerving and tactical standards.
- The escalation of the gross weight and length of these semi-trailers continues being a powerful situation for attempting to accomplish objectivity towards the cost of the vehicles.
The start of extensive in-service testing should follow next according to FTA. This should take place in conjunction with the planning and arrangement new laws, allowing these vehicles on the road.
