Campaigners are warning that 25-metre mega-trucks weighing up to 60 tonnes could become the norm on UK roads if the government does not oppose new European proposals to allow them to cross borders.
The European Commission is proposing changes that would allow mega-truck traffic between consenting countries.
The current UK limits for lorries are 16.5 metres and 44 tonnes, but the government recently approved a 10-year trial of 18.5 metre lorries, which is due to start this month.
Campaigners argue that once European mega-trucks are allowed to travel between member states, large UK haulage companies will claim they are unfairly disadvantaged and pressurise government to allow them to operate 25-metre 60-tonne vehicles on UK roads.
Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Manager, said: “The UK government must oppose the EC proposals now, otherwise in reality, it will not be able to resist them in the future.
“The impact of lorries two metres longer has not even been assessed yet, let alone of an additional eight metres.
“Allowing mega-trucks will lead to more road fatalities, more congestion and more pollution and will be disastrous for the rail freight industry, which has the potential to take thousands more long-distance lorry journeys off the road.”
She added: “Bringing mega-trucks to the UK could also cost the taxpayer dearly.
“Mega-trucks are 50% longer and a third heavier than existing HGVs. The cost of adapting road infrastructure, such as strengthening bridges, is likely to run into billions. In Austria, a much smaller country than the UK, adaptation costs have been estimated at €5 billion.
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