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UK Government launches consultation on fuel tanker weight limits

The UK Government has launched a consultation on whether fuel tankers should be allowed to carry more fuel. The measure is seen as one means of suring up the UK’s fuel supply chain.

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The consultation will explore whether fuel tankers will be allowed to carry more fuel in the eventuality of disruption to the fuel supply chain. This would help to ensure car, bus and lorry drivers can always “fill up with confidence”.

The UK Government says that most fuel tankers operate with spare tank capacity due to the existing 44 tonne weight limit. It believes the potential to allow tankers to operate to their full design train weight could increase the efficiency of the fuel supply chain by approximately 6%.

The measure, says the government, would enable more fuel to be carried using the same vehicles, helping to safeguard a strong fuel supply chain as the government continues to grow the economy.

Commenting on the consultation, Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

“Thanks to the government’s bold measures to support the sector, our country has now an even stronger haulage supply chain. We will continue to work with and listen to the sector to ensure our forecourts are always well stocked and motorists can fill up with confidence.”

The UK Government adds that safety “will be at the heart of the consultation”. It is stated that any increase in fuel capacity would apply only to fuel tankers equipped with appropriate safety features, such as vehicle stability functionality and advanced emergency braking systems.

Moreover, routes to be used by these heavier tankers would have to be agreed in advance to ensure the road infrastructure can accommodate the fuel tankers operating at full capacity.

An assessment of the proposals by National Highways indicates that the increase in safety risks would be extremely small and any risk of infrastructure damage would be effectively managed.


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