Lorry drivers are supposed to use specialist sat navs, which provide route guidance that takes into consideration the size of the vehicle before plotting the navigation. These specialist guides plot a course that is fit for the lorry, reviewing bridge heights, narrow roads and country lanes unsuitable for large vehicles. 

Despite the availability of this technology, the LGA has warned that many HGV drivers continue to damage bridges, block small streets, get stuck in villages and crash into bridges; all because they have been poorly guided by a standard car sat nav. 

The LGA is calling on the Goverment to make changes to its forthcoming Transport Bill. They propose a change in the law to compel all HGV drivers to use specialist route guidance to avoid major disruption on local roads. 

The LGA transport spokesperson, Cllr David Renard, commented on the issue at hand: “The spate of accidents we continue to see involving lorries blocking streets, damaging local areas and crashing into bridges on an all too regular basis are causing major disruption to local communities.

“There are more lorry journeys than ever, risking more incidents. HGV mileage grew by nearly 9% over the last year and is back above pre-pandemic levels.

“Councils already work with freight and haulage companies to ensure that lorries use the most suitable routes and roads. However, a minority of drivers continue to follow sat nav systems that take them down routes that are totally inappropriate for the weight and height of their vehicle.

“By making it mandatory for anyone operating an HGV to use a specialist satnav device, the Government can help to reduce the risk of accidents and keep our roads moving.” 

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After a nine-year trial, the new lorries were approved by the majority of those involved in the consultation. The vehicles, which can reach over 15 metres long, are thought to be ‘safer, more economical and better for the environment.’

The size of the lorries allows for a larger amount of cargo to be carried per journey. The trial found that they helped to reduce pollutants, lower the total miles of freight journeys and caused fewer road traffic collisions.

LSTs could be introduced as early as next year, pending consideration by the Department for Transport. This means that one in eight freight journeys could be taken off the roads as a result, helping the government to achieve greener roads. 

Of those surveyed, 57% agreed that LSTs were of benefit to the country. Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, spoke of the environmental benefit of the vehicles. He said: “This government is committed to fighting climate change and decarbonising our transport network, and we are working at pace to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“Today’s announcement is a vital step forwards as we work to introduce more environmentally-friendly freight to our roads and build back greener.”

In addition to the potential introduction of LSTs, the government is launching a trial of heavier-than-normal lorries. These vehicles will be capable of carrying heavier goods to rail depots so that they can be transported by train, rather than by road.

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