Dangerous, dirty and difficult - the real-world necessity of urban freight transport by heavy vehicle, and the measures that must be taken to improve it

The transport of freight is integral to the successful operation of society, and various forces continually increase the size of the freight transport task. Transport regulators must maximise the efficiency of current freight transport modes in order to deliver effective short and medium term benefits, while simultaneously planning to address the future needs of the freight transport task. Under several key criteria, road freight transport by heavy vehicle is a clear candidate for short-term improvements. Despite contributing to a large portion of the freight transport task in many countries, heavy vehicles are relatively much more dangerous, have a far greater impact on the environment and are problematic in other areas such as infrastructure wear and congestion. This paper presents the case for the introduction of longer and heavier freight vehicles to address these concerns. Opponents of this approach cite negative characteristics of such vehicles as reasons against their introduction. These arguments are discussed in the context of recent research, new technologies, field trials, and innovative policy measures, demonstrating that longer and heavier vehicles are not only a necessary requirement, but can also be the catalyst for much-needed improvements in the areas of safety and environmental performance.