More environmentally friendly HGVs are now allowed on Britain’s roads, thanks to government regulations that have now come into effect.
Hauliers can now use vehicles with elongated cabs and aerodynamic features to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
A 2013 study estimated that these aerodynamic improvements to HGVs could result in fuel savings of 7% to 15%.
Elongated cabs also improves driver vision to improve road safety and provide more space for 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.
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."
Will you be using aerodynamic features to reduce your fuel consumption? How will this effect your business?