DfT is planning a major trial of around 3,000 25m artics on Britain\u2019s roads this year and will drum up support for the trial by giving Denby Transport – part of the Transport Association – permission to use its Eco-Link B-double road train as a demonstrator from next month.<\/p>\n
Denby Transport chairman Dick Denby, who has been lobbying the government to trial the vehicle for over 20 years, told CM DfT is looking at issuing a Section 44 permit to enable the Denby Eco-Link B-double road train to take to the road from 1 March.<\/p>\n
The move follows a recent survey of hauliers which was requested by DfT as evidence of industry appetite for the 25.25m 60-tonne B-double road trains.<\/p>\n
The survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 80% of respondents stating their intention to adopt the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Dick Denby told CM: \u201cDfT wanted to know if there was sufficient interest for a trial of 3,000 trucks. The survey showed there is – and getting the Denby Eco-Link onto the road will draw even more interest.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI am currently in discussions with DfT officials on the parameters of the Section 44 licence and hopefully we will get on the road very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
HazComp MD Kevin Buck – another advocate of the 25.25m 60-tonne B-double road train, who is also working with the DfT on the trial plans said: \u201cIn parallel to issuing the section 44 permit for the Denby vehicle, the DfT will be considering how a wider trial would operate, including inviting interests from other operators.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the 25.25m 60-tonne B-double road trains are a \u201cwin win\u201d for operators.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey increase productivity significantly per pallet moved, whilst reducing operating costs, as two of these vehicles can do the same work as three standard 13.6m articulated vehicles.<\/p>\n
\u201cFuel consumption is much lower per pallet moved, meaning emissions are also significantly reduced, which benefits all.\u201d<\/p>\n
He called on operators to waste no time in applying to join the trial once it is launched. He said: \u201c\u201cI would encourage as many operators as possible to issue an early expression of interest with the DfT in participating in such trials of the 60-tonne road train within the UK.<\/p>\n
Source: Commercial Motor 15\/02\/2021<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"