Longer Lorries Hit UK Roads From May 31
The government is set to roll out longer lorries on UK roads starting 31 May 2023. New legislation announced today (10 May 2023) clears the way for these bigger vehicles to haul fast-moving consumer goods, retail products, waste packaging, parcels, and pallets.
Fewer Journeys, Big Savings
These longer semi-trailers (LSTs) can carry the same volume but slash journeys by 8%. The change is expected to save £1.4 billion economically and remove one standard trailer for every 12 trips on the road.
By cutting the number of journeys, the government estimates a carbon dioxide reduction of 70,000 tonnes, helping to green the haulage sector and boost the economy.
Safer, Greener, More Efficient
LSTs are up to 2.05 metres longer than standard trailers and have passed a tough 11-year safety trial. The trial revealed 61% fewer personal injury collisions with LSTs compared to traditional lorries. Experts say these vehicles also cause less road wear thanks to improved steering axles.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said:
“Everyone depends on our haulage sector – from loo rolls to sausage rolls – and a strong supply chain is vital to growing the economy.
These longer lorries will boost British businesses like Greggs, with 15% more baked goods delivered, from tasty pastries to the nation’s beloved sausage rolls.
This law change will give the haulage industry a £1.4 billion boost, reduce congestion, lower emissions, and make our roads safer. Let the good times roll!”
Big Names Ready to Roll
More than 300 companies have trialled LSTs, and nearly 3,000 are already on UK roads. Big brands leading the charge include:
- Greggs
- Morrisons
- Stobart
- Royal Mail
- Argos
Greggs’ Supply Chain Director Gavin Kirk said:
“We’ve run LSTs since 2013 from our newcastle/" title="Newcastle" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Newcastle hub and saw a 15% increase in capacity. We converted 20% of our fleet, trained our drivers, and found the trailers as safe as standard ones.
We’ve cut annual travel by 540,000 km and saved 410 tonnes of carbon each year. These lorries support our Greggs Pledge for sustainability.”
Environmental Wins and Government Support
During the trial, LSTs cut CO2 emissions by 70,000 tonnes and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by 97 tonnes – equivalent to the yearly pollution from 2,000 diesel cars. The CO2 savings match the amount absorbed by 11,600 acres of forest annually.
The government vows to continue pushing green haulage, aiming for net-zero heavy goods vehicles by 2040.
This rollout is part of a wider haulage sector shake-up, including:
- £52.5 million to improve roadside driver facilities
- 11,000 new HGV driver training places via skills bootcamps
- More HGV driver tests
- Launching a Future of Freight plan to lure talent into logistics careers
The strategy is already boosting driver numbers, with a 54% jump in HGV tests between March and May 2022 compared to 2019.
Industry Endorses Longer Lorries
Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, said:
“Introducing longer semi-trailers hugely improves the goods our industry can move efficiently and sustainably. Members have proven LSTs are cost-effective and greener alternatives, and we’re committed to rolling them out wider and faster.”
