Longer lorries to be allowed on Britain’s roads under new law - despite fears it ‘could cost lives’

The government is set to allow longer lorries on Britain’s roads in a bid to reduce the number of journeys. However, there are concerns that this decision will create greater danger for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as damaging road infrastructure.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced lorry trailers up to 61ft (18.55m) long which is 6ft 9in (2.05m) longer than the standard size - will be permitted from May 31 under legislation which will go before Parliament on Wednesday (May 10).

Vehicles covered by the new laws have a larger tail swing, meaning that their rear end covers a bigger area when turning, and have extended blind spots. Campaigners say the decision is ‘alarming’ and that most of the trial, which took 11 years, happened on