No Mega Trucks

Tell your local MEPs that the UK does not want mega trucks 25 metres (82ft ) coming to the UK.  To stop this happening MEPs need to vote against the proposal to allow mega trucks to cross international borders within Europe.

Why is this so important – Because the Commission has issued a proposal for a revision of the legislation governing the international circulation of HGVs, called Directive 96/53. It is proposing formalising permission for cross border mega trucks traffic between consenting member states which will lead to mega trucks circulating across Europe by default over time.

Please take the opportunity to ask your MEPs, from the different parties, to oppose mega trucks being allowed to travel internationally to avoid these monster vehicles coming to the UK via the back door. Whilst the UK Government currently says it will not allow mega trucks to circulate in the UK,  it will come under huge pressure from the road haulage industry on competition grounds to allow these lorries, once mega trucks are allowed to travel internationally, despite all the adverse safety, congestion and environmental consequences.  

Take action - email or write to all your MEPS in your region. You can either use my latest briefing or follow the suggested text.
 

Watch this video to experience how dangerous mega trucks are.

Even the European Commission research of January 2009 admitted that mega trucks are more dangerous than existing HGVs. The main reasons for increased collision risks are handling and manoeuvrability problems including snaking, larger blind spots, extra weight and size. Currently HGVs are disproportionately involved in serious accidents with other road users. In 2010, they made up about 3% of the EU vehicle feet but gave rise to 14% of fatal collisions.
  
We need your support in making sure that the MEPs realise that public opinion is opposed to massive lorries. Aslef opinion polling in both 2005 and 2007 showed that over 75% of people oppose LHVs.

• Mega trucks briefing
• Cross border mega trucks would cost UK taxpayers billions. (press realease 15th April 2013)
• Brussels to allow massive road-trains across Europe. (press realease 11th April 2013)
• Research showing why increasing HGV length could reduce efficiency and increase environmental and safety costs
• Road congestion impacts of bigger HGVs
• Analysis of previous increases in HGV sizes and efficiency of existing sized lorries- MTRU
• New research exposes flaws in industry lobbying for mega trucks. (press release 8th January 2013)
• Experience what mega trucks would mean for Europe. Watch video.
• Industry fires opening salvo in battle over mega trucks. (press release 7th November 2012)
• European mega truck policy cannot be enforced, says transport group. (press release 15th June 2012)
• Mega trucks threat from Europe. (press release 27th March 2012)
• UK Government must act to stop 25 metre long lorries coming from continent. (press release 28th Dec 2011)
   
   
• Previous No Mega Trucks posts