Campaign for Better Transport concerned over longer lorries plan

Campaign for Better Transport has written to the Government raising its concerns about the intended roll out of longer lorries on local roads.

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) annual report on the trial of longer lorries could pave the way for the general use of longer lorries on UK roads.

The trial of the longer lorries is not adequately assessing the impact on local roads or involving local authorities, which look after 97% of the road network and will be responsible for dealing with these lorries once they leave the motorway.

Campaign for Better Transport has written to the Government asking it to ensure that local authorities are more closely involved in assessing the impacts of longer lorries on all minor roads, including urban, town centre and rural roads, in future assessment before longer lorries are allowed in general use.

Darren Shirley, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “There is too little evidence being gathered on the safety and use of longer lorries on local roads in our towns and cities. Given the extra length and tail swing when turning, these lorries could present serious problems to cyclists and pedestrians.

“The Government should not bring longer lorries into general use until it has assessed the impacts with local authorities and addressed any safety concerns for other road users.”