The UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) trial of longer semi-trailers (LST) for articulated goods vehicles on Britain’s roads has reported positive results including less journeys, reduced congestion and better air quality.

Designed to evaluate the impact of LST operations on efficiency, emissions and safety, the ten-year LST trial involves approximately 1,800 trucks and is expected to save more than 3,000t of CO2 emissions.

At the end of 2015, more than 1,511 LSTs were on the road, with 1,764 LSTs operating on Vehicle Special Orders as of July 2016.

The LSTs are of 14.6m and 15.65m in length and operate within the UK’s existing domestic weight limit of 44t for vehicles of six axles.

The trial project, which was launched in 2012, has so far saved up to 10.6 million kilometres and also reduced the movement of lorries on UK roads. Nearly 90,000 journeys were avoided under the new scheme on Britain’s roads.

UK 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.

“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.”

"These new lorries are reported to be safer, resulting in 70% fewer collisions and casualties, per kilometre, compared to the average for standard articulated lorries."

These new lorries are reported to be safer, resulting in 70% fewer collisions and casualties, per kilometre, compared to the average for standard articulated lorries. ‎

Based on the positive results, the government is planning to launch consultations with the trade associations and participants on whether to increase the number of vehicles in the trial.

The trial was launched as part of the 2011 logistics growth review.

Image: The back of two lorries. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright.