There’s been significant news in the UK haulage industry this week, as the government has finally ‘green-lit’ longer semi-trailers, ending an 11-year-long road trial. As part of the change, trailers up to 18.55 metres long (2 metres over the current standard size) will be allowed to drive on Britain’s roads from 31st May 2023, it has been announced.

Involving more than 3,000 of these longer semi-trailers (LSTs) in collaboration with more than 300 major operators like Greggs, Stobart, Argos, Morrisons and the Royal Mail, the trial resulted led to the long-awaited move. 

A £1.4bn Boost For the UK Economy 

Heralding the change in policy, the Depart For Transport (DfT) said that allowing LSTs to be used will represent a £1.4bn boost for Britain’s economy. Helping to improve productivity and save more than 70,000 tons of CO2 while strengthening the economy, LSTs have been shown to move the same volume of goods, but using 8% fewer journeys.

As part of the new legislation, haulage operations will no longer be forced into applying for a special licence to use a longer semi-trailer. However, vehicles that use LSTs will still be subject to the same 44-ton weight limit imposed on standard trailers, with operators being bound by law to ensure the necessary risk assessments and route plans are made.

“A Strong, Resilient Supply Chain is Key” – UK Roads Minister 

While on a visit to Gregg’s Newcastle depot to view the new longer lorries, UK Roads Minister Richard Holden had this to say about the change:

“A strong, resilient supply chain is key to the Government’s efforts to grow the economy. That’s why we’re introducing longer semi-trailers to carry more goods in fewer journeys and ensure our shops, supermarkets and hospitals are always well stocked. 

These new vehicles will provide an almost £1.4bn boost to the haulage industry, reduce congestion, lower emissions and enhance the safety of UK roads.”

“LSTs Provide Operators With an Environmentally Prudent Option” – Gavin Kirk, Greggs

Also interviewed was Gregg’s Supply Chain Director, Gavin Kirk, who stated that the company had always been keen to be part of the trial and that significant results had been enjoyed:

“We welcome the introduction of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) into general use. Since 2013, Greggs has been operating LSTs from our National Distribution Centre in Newcastle. We were early adopters of the trial as we saw significant efficiency benefits from the additional 15% capacity they afforded us.

Over the past few years of the trial, our members have proved that LSTs provide operators with a cost-efficient, environmentally prudent alternative to conventional vehicles and our members remain committed to rolling them out across the wider industry as soon as possible”. 

Helping to Create a Resilient UK Supply Chain

This move is the latest part of the UK government’s 33 actions that are aimed at addressing the on-going HGV driver shortage. At HGVC, we’re right behind any moves that add resilience to the UK supply chain, whether talking about Skills Bootcamps, improving the quality of roadside lorry facilities or faster HGV testing. 

As such, our team will continue to do what they do best – offering industry-leading HGV training via our network of training centres. If you’d like to know more about us and what we do, please take the time to browse our website. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us about your needs, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click ‘contact us’, and we’ll be delighted to help.