Government: New HGV rules will reduce fuel consumption/emissions for operators

New Government regulations coming into effect today (14 February 2022) mean that more environmentally-friendly heavy goods vehicles are now allowed on Britain’s roads. The new rules will allow haulage companies to choose vehicles with elongated cabs and aerodynamic features fitted on the back, which help reduce fuel consumption. A 2013 study estimated that these aerodynamic improvements to HGVs could result in fuel savings of 7 per cent to 15 per cent.

The design of elongated cabs also improves driver vision, boosting safety for other road users. The extra space means more comfort for the driver, such as by facilitating a larger bed in sleeper cabs.

Aerodynamic rear devices are flaps which are fitted on the back of trailers to reduce the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag without using up load space. They were previously not permitted for use on GB roads under regulations that have been in place since 1986.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said that the new rules would not only reduce emissions, but would also increase safety. The Minister said: “I hope operators will make use of these new regulations, introducing vehicles with these features into their existing fleets to reduce fuel consumption and boost safety.”

The Department for Transport has published good practice guidance on the use of aerodynamic rear devices on HGVs in urban and rural areas.

This follows separate legislation last year to allow greener, longer goods vehicles to be rolled out as the Government responded to its consultation on longer-semi trailers reducing mileage, congestion and carbon emissions.