Longer lorries allowed on UK roads despite concerns over risk to pedestrians and cyclists | UK news

Longer trucks are now allowed on UK roads to allow more goods to be transported in fewer journeys.

This is despite concerns about the risk to pedestrians and cyclists as the vehicles have a larger tailspan – meaning their rear covers more area when turning – and extended blind spots.

Truck trailers up to 61 feet (18.55 m) long – about 6 feet 9 inches (2.05 m) longer than the standard size – are allowed to be used starting May 31.

The DfT previously announced a new trucks will be able to carry the same amount of cargo as modern trailers, for 8% fewer trips.

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The policy is expected to generate economic benefits of £1.4 million and take one full-size trailer off the road for every 12 journeys.

An 11-year trial of the longer trucks has shown them to be safe for use on public roads, the DfT said.

The study found they were involved in “about 61% fewer injury crashes than conventional trucks,” the department said.

A government-commissioned report published in July 2021 found that between 2012 and 2020, 58 people were injured in incidents involving longer trucks.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “A strong, sustainable supply chain is key to the Government’s efforts to grow the economy.

“That’s why we’re introducing longer semi-trailers to transport more goods in fewer trips and ensure that our shops, supermarkets and hospitals are always well supplied.”

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However, some organizations are concerned about the move – including Cycling UK.

Campaign chief Keir Gallagher said at the time of the government’s decision: “At a time when funding for infrastructure to keep cycling and walking safe has been cut, it is worrying that longer and more dangerous lorries may now be allowed to share the road with people who go by bike and on foot.

“Before opening the floodgates to longer lorries entering our busy town centers and narrow lanes, further testing in real-life situations needed to be carried out to assess and address the risks.”