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RFG opposes heavier and longer lorries!
RFG has today written to Secretary of State Alistair Darling MP expressing its strong opposition to proposals to permit heavier and longer lorries on the UK road network.
Ministers are currently considering applications from road hauliers to run trucks weighing 60 to 84 tonnes and nearly 9 m (30ft) longer than the current maximum permitted length.
RFG has reminded ministers that running heavier, longer lorries is very unpopular with the public, whereas moving more freight by rail enjoys huge public support.
A recent NOP survey showed 67% of the public against the proposals and 86% in favour of increasing freight on rail.
This result is consistent with the findings of a 2003 YouGov poll where 79% of people identified getting freight off roads and onto rail as a priority for Government.
Any potential operating gains from larger HGVs are eclipsed by the benefits of moving more freight by rail:
- an average freight train removes 50 lorries from the road network;
- every tonne of freight carried by rail produces at least 80% less carbon dioxide than by road; and
- rail lets freight customers avoid the increasing cost of road traffic congestion.
RFG Chairman, Lord Berkeley said:
‘Rail freight is the best long-term solution for moving many types of goods in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way. Introducing heavier and longer lorries will damage the ability of rail freight to deliver.
‘Over the past ten years rail freight has grown by 50%, removing millions of lorry journeys from our congested roads.
‘Sadly, if proposals to run 60 or 84 tonne lorries get the go-ahead this progress could be lost.
‘Even allowing such vehicles to operate on a trial basis will deal a severe blow to rail freight by undermining the confidence of private sector investors, who, since privatisation, have delivered over £1.5 billion of investment.
‘If Ministers remain serious about climate change, safer roads and creating a competitive, sustainable economy they must say ‘no’ to any increase in weight limits for HGVs.’
25 August 2005
To download a full copy of the letter to Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport CLICK HERE.
Further information:
RFG Chairman, Tony Berkeley - 07710 431 542
Notes to Editors:
1. The Department for Transport is considering applications from two road hauliers to trial HGVs that weigh 60 tonnes and are 25.25 metres long. The biggest lorries allowed on UK roads at present weigh 44 tonnes and are 16.5 metres long.
2. An opinion survey carried out by NOP shows that over two-thirds of the public are opposed to the proposal which would increase by one-third the length and weight of lorries permitted on the UK’s roads.
The survey, commissioned by the train driver’s union ASLEF was conducted over the weekend of 5-7 August. 2005. It pointed out that ‘the government is considering legislation which would allow, on a trial basis, 60 tonne lorries, which are more than one third longer and heavier than the present legal limit, on our roads.’ The questions, and responses, were as follows:
- Would you be likely to support this, or not?
The survey showed 67% opposed, 23% in favour with 10% undecided.
- A possible alternative would be for the Government, through planning policy and funding, to encourage more freight to go by rail. Would you be likely to support this alternative or not?
The survey showed that 86% favoured the freight on rail alternative, with 9% saying ‘no’ with 5% undecided.
The research was carried out by NOPworld group. Results were weighted in order to be nationally representative.
3. RFG commissioned the YouGov survey in December 2003.
4. Lorries are involved in 22 per cent of fatal road accidents.
According to Road Casualties in Great Britain 2003 Annual Report, (DfT, London, September 2004), in 2003:
- there were 28,674 accidents involving HGVs and LGVs, 9,958 HGV and LGV drivers and passengers were injured;
- 1,194 HGV and LGV drivers were killed or seriously injured; and
- 650 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured by HGVs and LGVs.
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