UK says longer semi-trailers are safer and more efficient

[kscarbel2]

Transport Engineer  /  September 6, 2016

Some 75,000—90,000 tractor-trailer journeys have been saved and up to 10.6 million vehicle-km cut to the end of 2015 under the government’s LST (longer semi-trailer) trial scheme, according to figures released today (6 September 2016).

That has in turn resulted in cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less congestion on UK roads since trials began in 2012, says the DfT (Department for Transport) semi-trailer evaluation report for 2015, which analyses data from 151 operators and has been published by Risk Solutions.

In fact, the 10-year trial, which now involves some 1,800 LSTs (up to 2.05m/6.7ft longer than standard 13.6m/44.6ft semi-trailers) of which 1,511 are running, is expected to have saved more than 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

“Lorries are the engine of our economy and this pilot scheme is helping hauliers deliver the day-to-day goods we need more efficiently” comments transport minister John Hayes.

“This is good news for consumers, a boost for motorists – as it is helping cut congestion with fewer vehicles on the road – and it is also helping the environment,” he adds.

As for the economic benefits, Hayes’ department estimates that British haulers will have saved £33 million (US$44.3 million) by the time the trial ends in 2022, with up to one in nine journeys eliminated.

That conclusion is based on what it sees as a reasonable mix of trailer designs in the existing LST fleet, which includes twin decks, flatbeds and skeletals.

Importantly, the DfT specifically finds that longer semi-trailers are safer than their standard 13.6 meter counterparts, stating that nationally they have been involved in 70% fewer collisions and casualties per kilometer.

Risk Solutions confirms that there may be evidence that they are performing better – although it wants data collection to continue until the close of 2017 to confirm that statistic and states that there remains insufficient data on urban operations.

“Following these positive results we are consulting trade associations and participants on whether to increase the number of vehicles in the trial,” states Hayes.

“We are also seeking views on extending the trial,” he says.

Risk Solutions recommends that work carried out to date by VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency), collecting design parameters of LSTs into a master trial dataset, needs to be continued to enable analysis of operational and incident patterns in relation to key measures such as tail-swing.

[kscarbel2]

UK Department for Transport (DfT) may extend longer semi-trailer trial as benefits mount

Commercial Motor  /  September 12, 2016

The government is considering extending the longer semi-trailer pilot, despite the latest annual report revealing that the full allocation is still not running on UK roads.

According to the fourth annual report, 1,674 of the full allocation of 1,800 longer semi-trailer permits were in use as of July 2016; an increase from the 1,511 at the end of 2015.

The DfT said another 100 longer semi-trailers have either been issued with their vehicle special orders, required to use a longer trailer on the public highway, or are currently in build.

With the full trial allocation almost reached, the DfT has also started “consulting trade associations and participants on whether to increase the number of vehicles in the trial”.

It is also seeking views on whether the trial should be extended.

Since December 2015, the number of operators with longer semi-trailers on the road has increased from 151 to 163, and the report predicted that operating longer semi-trailers had saved up to 10.6 million vehicle km since the trial began in 2012.

The report added: “There is no evidence that the safety risk from longer semi-trailers is worse than that of normal HGV trailers.”

Transport minister John Hayes said: “Lorries are the engine of our economy and this pilot scheme is helping hauliers deliver the day-to-day goods we need more efficiently.”

“Road haulage efficiency is vital to the economy and keeping the UK competitive,” said RHA director of policy Jack Semple. “After the Brexit vote, there is an increased awareness that we should be embracing every opportunity for productive innovation, where it is safe to do so.” 

“This report confirms the value of longer semi-trailers,” Jack Semple continued. “It also confirms the RHA’s prediction that there would be no great rush for the new lengths and that take-up would be gradual, with 15.65 metre trailers much the more popular length.

“There are now 151 operators in the trial. But it is clear from our members that both existing longer semi-trailer operators and other hauliers could make good use of more of these trailers, and the government should release more permits to allow them to do so. It should allocate permits, as before, in a way that gives equal opportunity to smaller firms.”

.

[kscarbel2]

Longer semi-trailer trial extension welcomed by road transport industry

Commercial Motor  /  February 2, 2017

Trailer manufacturers and trade associations have welcomed the decision to extend the longer semi-trailer trial in scope and length.

Last week the DfT said an additional 1,000 longer semi-trailers are to be made available and the trial extended by five years.

The department added that details on how to apply for the trailer allocations would be available soon. Changes to the reporting structure are also expected to be announced.

Launched in 2012, the trial has, after a slow start, increased to encompass 1,800 longer semi-trailers at the 14.6m and 15.65m maximum length – the latter of which has proved the most popular among operators.

FTA head of engineering Andy Mair said: “The FTA fully supports any increase in the number of trailers under trial. These types of initiatives play an important part in the logistics industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“Through this trial, industry and government are working to understand the benefits – in terms of reduced mileage and emissions – of larger vehicles, while keeping a close eye on safety.”

RHA director of policy Jack Semple said: “The permit allocation will give equal opportunity to small firms. It is the right measure, in the right way for the right reasons. The trial boosts productivity and safety, and reduces emissions.”

SDC Trailers commercial director Paul Bratton agreed. “The trial has been a huge success, and while the trailers don’t suit every operation, it has brought enquiries and requests for more licences as hauliers see the benefits and flexibility these trailers offer,” he said.

Don-Bur marketing manager Richard Owens (a longer semi-trailer supplied to Ceva pictured) said: “Many operators will be delighted with the possibilities afforded by an increase in the number of permissible longer semi-trailers. Particularly where operators are not limited by weight, longer semi-trailers, with a maximum capacity of 60 UK pallets, are the most cost-efficient method of trunking goods.”

Commercialmotor.com understands the allocation cap on the number of longer trailers for any one company is likely to be maintained, meaning an allocation of up to 20% of fleet size, or 180 trailers, is the limit for operators.

[kscarbel2]

Longer semi-trailer trial permits now available

Commercial Motor  /  March 6, 2017

Hauliers can now apply for the new round of permits to run longer semi-trailers (LSTs), as part of the extension to the trial announced earlier this year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has extended the original 10-year trial by five years, and made permits available for an additional 1,000 LSTs.

The permits allow the holder to run either 15.65m or 14.6m trailers, on the condition that they report data from their operation back to the DfT.

Permits for the new wave of trailer can be obtained by emailing freight@dft.gsi.gov.uk, and operators will be able to put the new trailers on the road from 1 May onwards.

Hauliers will have six weeks to prove they’ve ordered their permitted trailers after the permit has been granted by DfT.

The RHA said it supported the time limit, which, it said, demonstrated that “applications should only be made where there is a firm intention to order and not be speculative”.

Those already running LSTs in the trial are eligible to apply for further permits up to a limit of 20% of their total vehicle fleet.

In regards the used market, once participants have obtained longer semi-trailers, they are free to purchase vehicles from each other (the allocation quota moving with the vehicle although they need to inform the DfT).

.