Dick Denby still hopeful for road trial of Eco-Link after 17 years

Dick Denby, chairman of Lincolnshire haulier Denby Transport, is having another go at persuading the DfT to allow a road trial of his Eco-Link double-trailer combination.

Denby, together with his son and MD Peter Denby, will speak at the RHA Spring Conference on 4 April , where they will seek to convince DfT head of freight, operator licensing and roadworthiness, Duncan Price, to allow a trial of 2,000 Eco-Links on UK roads.

The Eco-Link is a 60-tonne GCW, 25.25 metre, eight-axle combination, where a tractor unit pulls two semi-trailers, using fifth wheel couplings on both trailers.

Denby has been championing the Eco-Link, also known as a B-Double, since 2002, and in 2009 attempted to test its legality by driving one loaded to 44 tonnes on public roads. He was turned back by police before getting to the highway.

Denby argues that the longer heavier vehicle offers several environmental and productivity benefits while its active steering system on the middle trailer gives a turning circle comparable with current artics.

The DfT however believes that demand for the B-Double would be "weak" and Denby is seeking to gather support from operators willing to take part on a trial.

The full-day conference will also look at the implications of Brexit, the Apprenticeship Levy and legal compliance.