The DfT has confirmed that trucks using equipment designed to cut their emissions, such as aerodynamic flaps, will soon be allowed to run up to a GVW of 45 tonnes.
The updated EU weights and dimensions directive will come into effect on 7 May 2017, and will allow HGVs powered by alternative fuels or fitted with aerodynamic equipment to run at an increased weight and length.
The European Commission (EC) said payload will not be increased, nor lost, when the new limits come into effect. The limits have been increased solely to accommodate the weight of equipment that has been designed to improve efficiency.
The EC said aerodynamic devices exceeding 500mm in length will need to be type-approved before they are put on the market, and member states will be able to restrict their use in certain environments, such as urban areas, for road safety reasons.
The directive will also allow trucks that move containers to run an additional 15cm in length to allow 45ft containers or swap-bodies to be moved, provided they are being used as part of an intermodal transport operation. The EC said such containers can currently only be moved on the road following cumbersome administrative procedures, or with chamfered corners.
A DfT spokesman told Motortransport.co.uk that it did not yet have a date for when the changes to UK law will be made.
