Trial continues to show benefits of longer semi-trailers, says FTA.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says a report released today by the Department for Transport (DfT) shows that longer semi-trailers (LSTs) continue to make a significant contribution towards reducing HGV miles, with subsequent environmental benefits, and pose no greater safety risk than normal HGV trailers.

The trailers are up to 2.05m longer than the standard 13.6m units commonly seen on the roads in this country.

FTA supports the 10-year trial, which was launched in 2012 to evaluate the impact of the operation of LSTs on Great Britain’s roads and the role that they can play in improving the efficiency of logistics.

However, it is essential that their use is monitored to ensure that they can be used safely.

Karen Dee, FTA’s Director of Policy, said:

“We are pleased that once again the report is demonstrating that LSTs have a really good safety record.  In addition, the improved efficiencies that they offer are reducing the overall number of lorry journeys and thus reducing fuel use and the associated emissions.  These types of developments will continue to play an essential part in efforts to tackle climate change and improve air quality.”

Dee added: “Almost three quarters of goods movements are carried by road rather than by rail or water.  We need to maximise the use of rail and water freight as part of making the UK’s supply chain as efficient, clean and safe as possible, but they can never replace road – that is why we need to maximise the efficiency of road freight as well as the other modes.”