By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 15:50, Friday, 27 July 2012

Haulage giant Stobart Group is at the forefront of government research into developing longer trucks to cut the number of road journeys in the UK.

William Stobart

The company has welcomed government proposals to increase trailer length to boost capacity and reduce carbon emissions by 100,000 tons a year.

Roads minister Mike Penning announced the plans this month and Stobart Group, based at Kingstown, in Carlisle, said it was something they had long campaigned for.

William Stobart, group chief operating officer, said: “This is a very positive step for the future of road transport in Great Britain, with significant and real environmental benefits and CO2 reductions at the heart of the consultation.

“A large number of loads ‘bulk out before they weigh out’, which means trailers reach volume capacity long before reaching maximum permitted gross weight.

“This illustrates the point that longer trailers with increased capacities could significantly increase load sizes without impacting on CO2 emissions, and at the same time reduce the number of trucks on the road – bringing benefits across the board to the environment, other road users, and ultimately the retailers and their customers.”

Stobart Group has conducted research into the benefits of extended trailer lengths over a number of months and has developed two proto-type high volume semi-trailers, a spokesman said.

The current maximum trailer length is 13,600mm, and the proposed maximum length, subject to consultation, will be 2,050mm longer at 15,650mm. The group spokesman said the longer trailers would increase capacity by 15 per cent for pallets and 20 per cent for cages.

William Stobart said their internal research suggested the 15,650mm length was better suited to ‘closed loop’ journeys – those to and from the same locations.

“We believe this mid-length extended trailer could become the industry standard,” he said.

“It is lighter, so still delivers 28 tonnes of carrying capacity making it more flexible for general haulage, and it is less costly to build.”

The Government proposals are for a two-metre increase in the total length of articulated lorries operating within the existing weight limit of 44 tonnes. This would take the maximum permitted length of an articulated lorry to 18.75 metres but would not allow any increase in overall weight. The Department for Transport estimates that this move could increase capacity for hauliers transporting lightweight goods by up to 13 per cent and cut carbon emissions by around 100,000 tonnes each year.

Mr Penning said: “The road haulage industry is vital to the economy, making goods and services accessible across the country.

“These proposals would allow haulage firms to use one larger truck where previously they may have needed to send two vehicles. This will help to make our haulage industry cleaner and greener as well as allowing businesses greater flexibility without compromising safety.”

As there is no proposed increase in weight there is not expected to be any additional pressure on road surfaces caused by the proposed increase in length.

First published at 14:05, Friday, 27 July 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk