- government changes legislation to permit the use of
aerodynamic features and elongated cabs on lorries
- changes made to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions as we continue to build back greener from
coronavirus (COVID-19)
- welfare and safety for drivers also improved through reduced
blind spots and increased space
More environmentally friendly heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are
allowed on Britain’s roads, thanks to new government regulations
coming into effect today (14 February 2022).
The new rules will allow haulage companies to choose vehicles
with elongated cabs and aerodynamic features fitted on the back,
which help reduce fuel consumption.
A 2013 study estimated that these aerodynamic improvements to
HGVs could result in fuel savings of 7% to 15%.
The regulations come into force as the government continues to
deliver on its commitments to build back greener from the
pandemic.
The design of elongated cabs also improves driver vision,
boosting safety for other road users. The extra space means more
comfort for the driver, such as by facilitating a larger bed in
sleeper cabs.
Aerodynamic rear devices are flaps that are fitted on the back of
trailers to reduce the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag without using
up load space. They were previously not permitted for use on
Great Britain’s roads under regulations that have been in place
since 1986.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
This is another brilliant step, not just in our efforts to reduce
emissions across our transport network, but also to improve
safety on our roads.
I hope operators will make use of these new regulations,
introducing vehicles with these features into their existing
fleets to reduce fuel consumption and boost safety, as we build
back better from COVID-19.
Phil Lloyd, Logistics UK’s
Head of Engineering Policy, said:
Allowing the use of aerodynamic features and elongated cabs on
HGVs is fantastic news for our transport sector, which is looking
to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
These features are vital in helping to reduce emissions and
improve air quality and Logistics UK welcomes the design of elongated cabs
that improve driver vision and provide drivers with much-needed
additional comfort space.
The Department for Transport has published good practice guidance on
the use of aerodynamic rear devices on HGVs in urban and
rural areas.
This follows separate legislation last year to allow greener,
longer goods vehicles to be rolled out as the government
responded to its consultation on
longer-semi trailers reducing mileage, congestion and carbon
emissions.
