Longer lorries can now be used on Britain’s roads, in a move the Government says will grow the economy, boost productivity, slash road emissions and support supply chains.
However, the LGA has reiterated its call for HGV drivers to be required to use specialist satnav devices so they don’t end up on roads that are unsuitable for their vehicles.
The new ‘longer semi-trailers’ will move the same volume of goods, but make eight per cent fewer journeys, generating an expected £1.4 billion in economic benefits and saving 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the Department for Transport.
Cllr Linda Taylor, Transport Spokesperson for the LGA, said: “The use of longer lorries has potential benefits of reducing congestion and harmful emissions. However, they could risk increasing the severity of incidents that we continue to see involving lorries blocking streets, damaging local areas and crashing into bridges, causing major disruption to local communities.
“Councils already work with freight and haulage companies to ensure that lorries use the most suitable routes and roads.
“However, there are a minority of drivers who continue to follow satnav systems that take them down routes that are totally inappropriate for the weight and height of their vehicle.
“By making it mandatory for anyone operating an HGV to use a specialist satnav device, the Government can help to reduce the risk of accidents, keep our roads moving and support the benefits of longer lorries.”