RHA disappointed at decision on Longer, Heavier Vehicles

The RHA expressed disappointment at Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly's decision not to allow longer, heavier lorries on UK roads.

“We clearly recognise that this is a difficult issue", said RHA Chief Executive, Roger King, “but we do think this is a missed opportunity for a proper trial to have been staged in order to study the impact such trucks would have on UK roads. The Secretary of State has raised environmental concerns and fears that rail would lose out but other EU countries don't seem to have experienced this where trailed schemes have been conducted".

The RHA believes longer, heavier vehicles would only have had limited application on designated routes and at certain times of the day.

"But they could have played a role in lowering CO2 emissions by reducing HGV movements. Sadly, it seems now we will never know", concluded Roger King.