Last chance to join longer semi-trailer trial: 400 allocations left 28 August 2014

A final 400 allocations are being offered immediately to freight operators under the government's LST (longer semi-trailer) 10-year trial scheme.

Transport minister Claire Perry made the announcement today (28 August 2014), stating that some 1,400 LSTs are alrady on the road or under construction, following another round of bids in 2013, leaving 400 of the original 1,800 allocations available.

Operators now have just four weeks to apply and must use their allocations within six weeks. Both operators already in the trial and new hauliers can apply.

"This is the last chance for freight operators to take part in a scheme that is helping hauliers boost trade and industry," says Perry.

"Longer trailers allow companies to transport more goods, more efficiently and can have significant economic and environmental benefits. I'd like to see all of these allocations used so we can see fewer unnecessary journeys on our roads."

The FTA supports the trial of LSTs, as there are significant environmental and efficiency benefits on offer from deploying these vehicles," comments James Hookham, FTA (Freight Transport Association) managing director for policy and communications.

"This is a very welcome announcement, especially the department's approach in offering the same opportunity to every haulier, regardless the size of fleet," adds Jack Semple director of policy at the RHA (Road Haulage Association).

The Department for Transport estimates that the trial will save more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years, with fuel savings amounting to some £33 million.

Author
BrianTinham

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