MP warns over bigger lorry plans

plans to allow bigger lorries on city streets could pose a risk to road safety, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz warned today.

He said the UK government wanted to licence longer HGVs – increasing the maximum length by more than two metres to 18.75m – even though there are already serious concerns over the safety record of HGVs.

Mr Lazarowicz said: “Allowing even longer lorries would see traffic at a standstill as they negotiate narrow streets around the city or try to turn. They would pose a real danger to the safety of pedestrians, other drivers and cyclists.

“HGVs have been shown to be three times as likely to be involved in fatal accidents as all other vehicles and previous increases in length have simply meant more lorries which are less full. The government should encourage a shift to rail for freight.”