A consultation has been launched to test reaction to the DfT's plan to allow longer articulated vehicles.

The UK Department for Transport (DfT)just launched a consultation to test reactions to its plan to allow longer articulated vehicles.  The aim is to increase their length by two metres to 18.75m but keep the 44-tonne top weight.  The DfT says this could increase the UK's truck fleet capacity by 13% and cut carbon emissions by around 100,000 tonnes a year.  The maximum length for a drawbar rig would remain at 18.75m.  Some industry observers said they were surprised by the timing of the move as the European debate on type-approved trailer dimensions is still unresolved and could still lead to a four-metre goods vehicle height limit across the European Union.

If this goes ahead it could help the European moving industry as HHG tends to be limited by volume not weight.