DfT law change backs aerodynamic vehicles
The Department for Transport (DfT) has implemented regulatory changes that officially permit a new generation of more environmentally friendly, aerodynamic HGVs to operate on Britain’s roads.
The new rules, which have been transposed from EU masses and dimensions regulations, mean hauliers can opt for vehicles with elongated cabs and rear aerodynamic fittings, to help cut fuel consumption. Fuel savings of 7 to 15 per cent could result, according to estimates from a 2013 study – while elongated cabs can also help improve safety by increasing driver vision and provide extra comfort, for example by incorporating larger sleeping areas.
In practice, the elongated design of DAF’s New Generation XF, XG and XG+ trucks already benefits from the relaxed cab length regulations, which have been in force in the EU since September 2020. Prior to the UK’s adoption of the same specifications last month, DVSA had been asked by the DfT not to enforce the previous rules with regard to vehicles designed around the incoming standards.
Meanwhile, aerodynamic rear devices are also now permissible, in the form of flaps fitted to the back of trailers to reduce drag without compromising load space.
DfT has now published good practice guidance on the use of retractable or foldable aerodynamic rear devices, with particular emphasis on safety. This advice can be found at the government website.
The roads minister Baroness Vere said: “This is another brilliant step, not just in our efforts to reduce emissions across our transport network, but also to improve safety on our roads. I hope operators will make use of these new regulations, introducing vehicles with these features into their existing fleets to reduce fuel consumption and boost safety, as we build back better from Covid-19.”
Phil Lloyd, head of engineering policy at Logistics UK, added: “Allowing the use of aerodynamic features and elongated cabs on HGVs is fantastic news for our transport sector, which is looking to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. These features are vital in helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality and Logistics UK welcomes the design of elongated cabs that improve driver vision and provide drivers with much-needed additional comfort space.”
The Road Haulage Association said: “We welcome this announcement on HGV vehicles and believe that this is eminently sensible to have innovations that allow for streamlining and therefore improved fuel efficiency.”
South Wales haulier John Pearce Glynneath is among the first UK operators to take delivery of the New Generation DAF XF tractors that take advantage of the elongated cab length permitted by the changes.
Supplied by Swansea-based Watts Truck & Van, the two XF 480 FTG 6×2 tractors, pictured, recently joined the firm’s mainly DAF fleet to take on pallet work in the UK and abroad.
The XF’s redesigned cab is said to deliver up to 10 per cent improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor XF model.
Clive Davies, managing director at John Pearce Glynneath, said: “We’ve not long taken delivery of the new XFs but on first impressions we’re really pleased with them. The cab itself is a big improvement in terms of visibility with the lower dashboard, bigger windows, and camera systems helping the drivers out.”
DAF is to launch a new range of distribution trucks with a cab based on the revamped XF design later this year.
