Studies and trials of longer and heavier freight trailers (specifically 25.2 M long gigaliners) have been the subject of discussion for some time. The LHVs have been in use for a long time in Sweden and Finland, where the traffic density is far lower than in Continental Europe. A Working Group has been set up by the European Freight and Logistics Leaders Forum to examine the advantages and disadvantages of these vehicles.
Leuven University in Belgium has reported favourably to the EC, but there are many opponents, such as the Freight on Rail alliance, which says the report is based on false assumptions and does not take account of rail freight being forced back on to the roads. The Freight and Logistics Forum’s working party will report back at its next Annual General Meeting.