INTERIM REPORT: PERMITTING 44 TONNE LORRIES FOR GENERAL USE IN THE UK

The UK Government asked the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) to consider the case for allowing the general use of 44t lorries with six axles. Its task was to seek the best solution consistent with the Government's policies for integrated and sustainable transport. This interim report presents the CfIT's study and findings to date. Its recommendations on lorry weights were put in context by developing a package of measures to promote sustainable distribution. According to work conducted for the CfIT, the introduction of 44t lorries will generate efficiency savings, leading to a small net decrease in lorry travel, and produce environmental benefits, such as annual savings of 80,000-100,000t of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These conclusions were supported by extensive consultation by the CfIT, including hearings with key witnesses. The positive effects are likely to outweigh the possible drawbacks of lorries travelling longer distances and the diversion of freight from road to rail. The CfIT recommends raising the maximum permitted lorry weight to 44t, as long as: (1) all 44t lorries meet Euro II emissions standards; (2) there is more, better resourced, enforcement; and (3) there are policies to strengthen rail freight.

• Corporate Authors:

  UK COMMISSION FOR INTEGRATED TRANSPORT

  5TH FLOOR, ROMNEY HOUSE, TUFTON STREET
  LONDON,   United Kingdom  SW1P 3RA
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 44 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle load force; Economic efficiency; Environmental protection; Federal government; Freight transportation; Physical distribution; Policy; Pollutants; Standards; Sustainable development; Transportation planning; Trucks; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; Integrated transportation systems
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 3067: Axle load; 9016: Distribution (gen); 5911: Efficiency; 2442: Emission; 2444: Environment protection; 741: Goods traffic; 183: Government (national); 1176: Integration (transport); 1236: Lorry; 173: Policy; 187: Specification (standard); 2427: Sustainability; 8119: United Kingdom; 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Economics; Environment; Freight Transportation; Motor Carriers; Policy;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00802793
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Dec 8 2000 12:00AM