DfT policy paper highlights importance of logistics

The RHA notes the publication today of an important Department for Transport policy paper: Delivering a Sustainable Transport System: The Logistics Perspective.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon's foreword stresses the importance he attaches to logistics and its role within overall transport planning, which is welcome. Indeed, the importance of logistics is a theme that runs through the document.

The DfT is clearly working towards a more detailed understanding of the industry - what moves where, and why, for example. This, too, is welcome. The DfT presents some interesting information, which merits in-depth examination and further work.

The RHA has been lobbying hard for action on the woeful shortage of secure truck parking and the commitment to driving forward in this area over the next year is to be applauded - albeit that it is overdue.

There will be a mixed reaction from the transport industry to the news that longer semi-trailers are to be the subject of a new investigation, however. Increases of up to 2.05 metres are to be considered, giving overall combination lengths of up to 18.55 metres, where the internal load length would be equivalent to that of the longest drawbar combination.

"While an increase has its supporters among transport companies, indications so far are that most companies will be opposed to any incremental change in trailer lengths. The longer semi-trailers are unlikely to be tall "double-deck" trailers and there will be fears that the long-term future of tall UK trailers could be undermined; also, the longer trailers are likely to have a slightly greater rear out-swing on corners and there are concerns about the impact on the perception of trucks, especially in urban areas," says RHA Director of Policy Jack Semple.

"In addition, there will inevitably be a degree of uncertainty among trailers buyers while the DfT waits for the reports from experts next year and then moves towards a decision. However, the announcement of the study ends six months of speculation as to whether the DfT would take forward consideration of longer semi-trailers and the RHA will be encouraging members to debate the issue and to have their say," Semple said.