Denby still "very committed" to LHV trials

Denby Transport says it is still "very committed" to further trials of its longer, heavier vehicle (LHV) despite being forced to abandon planned tests of the truck last week.

The Lincoln-based haulier had been looking to take one of its Eco-Link 25.25m (83ft) trailers for a 30-minute run on a seven-mile stretch of the A46 on 1 December without a government permit.

However, as Dick Denby, the company's director, drove the truck drove through the gates, VOSA staff, accompanied by police officers, ordered the trial to stop and issued him with a prohibition notice for driving an overlength vehicle.

The notice was later withdrawn when the vehicle reversed back into the yard.

Several VOSA officers then carried out a series of tests and measurements regarding its legality.

The Department for Transport (DfT) rejected trials of such vehicles in a report released in 2008, on the grounds of safety and environmental impact.

However, Denby Transport believes the interpretation of the term "towing implement" set out in the current regulations, allows for the use of an extra trailer.

The DfT says the term refers to recovering a vehicle after an accident or breakdown.

Peter Denby, managing director, says: "We are not going to rush the situation, but will probably talk with our solicitors this week about the next steps forward.

"The situation will be fully reviewed in the new year. We are still very committed to trials of the vehicle; we still believe it is legal under the existing legislation, and just want clarification as to the law.

"This is not the end of the matter."