Transport Secretary Says No to Mega Trucks

The SMMT is reporting that transport secretary Ruth Kelly has rejected proposals to run “significantly longer and heavier” trucks on British roads.

The decision follows the publication of an independent report which suggests that their introduction in the UK would be impractical on either a permanent or trial basis. “This study shows that super-lorries are not compatible with British roads. Not only are there clear environmental drawbacks, but such vehicles would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions, while providing the infrastructure to accommodate them would require substantial investment.”

The full report (available at www.trl.co.uk) concedes that there are some “worthwhile benefits” from a small length increase for articulated lorries.