Revised Legislation Enabling Extended Semi-Trailer Usage on Highways

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The Department for Transport has announced that longer lorries will now be permitted on the roads of Great Britain. This decision aims to enhance productivity, reduce road emissions, and strengthen supply chains. New legislation was introduced on May 10, 2023, to facilitate the safe deployment of these vehicles starting from May 31. The extended lorries will be capable of transporting fast-moving consumer goods, retail products, waste packaging, parcels, and pallets.

Despite carrying the same volume of goods, these new lorries will require 8% fewer trips compared to current trailers. This change is projected to generate approximately £1.4 billion in economic benefits, eliminating the need for one standard-size trailer for every 12 trips.

The introduction of longer trailers is estimated to prevent the release of 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Referred to as longer semi-trailers (LST), these extended trailers exceed the length of standard semi-trailers by up to 2.05 meters and can be towed by a lorry.

The decision to allow longer trailers on the roads follows an extensive 11-year trial period, which ensured the safe use of LSTs. Operators will be encouraged to implement additional safety checks and training measures. The trial demonstrated that LSTs were involved in approximately 61% fewer personal injury collisions compared to conventional lorries.

Vehicles utilizing LSTs will be subjected to the same 44-tonne weight limit as those with standard trailers. Furthermore, these new vehicles are expected to cause less road wear due to the implementation of a specific type of steering axle.

Operators will have a legal obligation to incorporate appropriate route plans and risk assessments that take into account the unique specifications of LSTs. In addition to the new legal requirements, operators will be expected to conduct extra safety checks, including driver training and scheduling, record keeping, training for transport managers and key personnel, as well as proper loading of LSTs.

The implementation of LSTs is anticipated to generate nearly £1.4 billion in net economic benefits by enabling the transportation of more goods with fewer vehicles, ultimately supporting productivity and bolstering the economy.

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