Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy not to increase the maximum weight of lorries allowed on UK roads beyond 44 tonnes.

Policy relating to the weight of vehicles is always kept under review. Any proposed changes to maximum vehicle weights would always take into account impacts on transport infrastructure, road safety and the environment. For example:

• Following a feasibility study and public consultation, the Department is currently running an Expression of Interest process, for freight operators wishing to participate in a trial of 48 tonne HGVs, for use during the road leg of intermodal transport. This trial would determine whether the use of these vehicles would help to increase the share of freight moved intermodally, which has benefits via reductions in emissions and congestion.

• In addition, the Department has also procured a technical feasibility study to consider the safe operation of longer/heavier vehicles (LHVs) - 25.25m in total length and 60 tonnes total weight - and whether to do an on-road trial of LHVs on British roads.