Sir, The letter by Philippa Edmunds, of Freight on Rail, on the subject of longer lorries (Oct 8) is nothing if not predictable.

She trots out all the hackneyed clichés about the supposed dangers of trucks with a length of 25.25 metres and a weight of 60 tonnes. The same was said when the current capacity was proposed.

The industry looks for trials of these vehicles, no more. Experience in the Netherlands, indicates that these longer, heavier lorries can be integrated into existing traffic patterns with little risk. In that country the trials limited speed to 50mph and no overtaking is permitted.

Manoeuvrability is excellent, with quite difficult junctions navigated easily. Obviously braking systems are enhanced and in tests I have seen the outfits are quite stable when braked and swerved at the same time.

Environmentally more goods can be carried for only a small increase in fuel consumption, while the number of wheels/axles used reduces the impact upon the road and surroundings.

If this country is to grow economically then we either employ more trucks (because the average journey length of a freight run is around 50 miles, hopelessly uneconomic for rail) or we get smart and experiment.

Roger King

CEO, Road Haulage Association

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