Logistics operators are at loggerheads over government plans to allow longer articulated lorries.
A consultation published on Wednesday has proposed a two-metre increase in the total length of articulated lorries to 18.75m but it will not increase the weight limit above the current 44 tonnes.
The Department for Transport said the move could increase capacity for hauliers transporting lightweight goods by up to 13% and cut carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes a year.
Dave Rowlands, technical services director at logistics giant Wincanton, said more than 50% of its operations could benefit from longer trailers. "We could carry 30 UK pallets instead of 26 and the additional fuel cost is negligible."
He called on the government to go further and extend the maximum weight allowed. "We'll grab whatever we can, but ideally we'd like to see a move that eases the additional weight," he said.
However, Freight on Rail a coalition of the rail freight industry, rail trade unions and campaign for better transport warned against the increases.
"Previous increases to lorry dimensions have led to more HGVs driving around with less cargo causing more pollution and road congestion," said manager Philippa Edmunds.
"Currently one in four lorries on our roads is empty. The proponents of longer HGVs are using the same flawed arguments again to justify the increased length."
A consultation published on Wednesday has proposed a two-metre increase in the total length of articulated lorries to 18.75m but it will not increase the weight limit above the current 44 tonnes.
The Department for Transport said the move could increase capacity for hauliers transporting lightweight goods by up to 13% and cut carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes a year.
Dave Rowlands, technical services director at logistics giant Wincanton, said more than 50% of its operations could benefit from longer trailers. "We could carry 30 UK pallets instead of 26 and the additional fuel cost is negligible."
He called on the government to go further and extend the maximum weight allowed. "We'll grab whatever we can, but ideally we'd like to see a move that eases the additional weight," he said.
However, Freight on Rail a coalition of the rail freight industry, rail trade unions and campaign for better transport warned against the increases.
"Previous increases to lorry dimensions have led to more HGVs driving around with less cargo causing more pollution and road congestion," said manager Philippa Edmunds.
"Currently one in four lorries on our roads is empty. The proponents of longer HGVs are using the same flawed arguments again to justify the increased length."
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