Research and analysis

First year evaluation of the high volume semi-trailer trial

Review of the first year of the high volume semi-trailer trial established in 2012.

Documents

Evaluation of the high volume semi-trailer trial: annual report 2012

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Details

The Department for Transport (DfT) is undertaking a 10 year trial of the operation of high-volume semi-trailers (HVSTs) on the roads of Great Britain (GB). These trailers are permitted to be up to 2.05m longer than the standard 13.6m units commonly seen on the roads in this country.

The trial started in January 2012 and is designed to test the impact of such operations on efficiency, and on emissions. A reduction in emissions may be expected from the increased trailer capacity which should allow the same quantity of goods to be transported in fewer journeys. The trial will ascertain whether this potential reduction in emissions will be realised in practice.

This report presents the findings from the first year of the trial.

Published 31 May 2013