'Megatrucks' head for Europe's roads

The 'megatrucks' would be more than 80ft (25.2m) long and weigh 60 tonnes, nearly a third longer and heavier than any vehicle allowed on British roads at present Photograph: Walter Hodges/Corbis

A road train arrives at Alice Springs trucker's resting area, Australia. The powerful European road lobby plans to force Britain and other countries to accept trucks like these on the grounds that they will reduce traffic congestion and pollution Photograph: Richard Sowersby / Rex Features/Rex Features

A semi-truck and trailer drives through floodwater and ice slabs as the flooding Red River, Grand Forks, North Dakota Photograph: Eric Hylden/AP

A road train on the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Threeways in the Northern Territory of Australia. In Europe megatrucks are only currently allowed in the sparsely populated and flat countries such as Finland and Sweden and are not allowed to travel across borders. But Holland, Belgium and Denmark are running tests ahead of their possible introduction and France is keen to begin trials Photograph: Robert Francis/Robert Harding/Rex Features

A Dutch report has predicted lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a fall in fatal accidents Photograph: Getty Images

Road train on the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Adelaide, New South Wales, Australia Photograph: Tim Graham/Tim Graham

The German environment agency warned that 'additional risks to road safety have to be expected as well as the environmentally unfavourable shifting of freight transport to the road' Photograph: Getty Images

Even motoring organisations have expressed concern about the introduction of megatrucks to Britain. 'British drivers feel intimidated by large lorries. They will not be welcome on UK roads. One problem is that they may obscure signs,' said Paul Watters, AA head of roads policy Photograph: Patrick Bennett/Corbis

A semi-truck reflecting in hub cap of another truck on a highway Photograph: Walter Hodges/Getty Images

Tank truck filling underground tanks at gas station Photograph: Lester Lefkowitz/Getty Images

Tractor trailers near Rock Springs, Wyoming. The British transport ministry last year opposed the introduction of larger trucks to Britain because they are unsuitable for smaller UK roads Photograph: Corey Hendrickson/Getty Images

Road train on the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Adelaide, New South Wales, Australia. The British government rejected 'megatrucks' last year after a study which concluded that they were unsuitable for British roads. 'Not only are there clear environmental drawbacks, but such vehicles would be unsuitable for many roads and junctions,' then transport secretary Ruth Kelly said Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty

Road train on the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Adelaide, New South Wales, Australia. Some studies show they are 15-30% cheaper to run than normal HGV trucks Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty

Road train on the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Adelaide, New South Wales, Australia. Opponents are concerned that moving freight off Britain's railways and on to roads would require huge investments to strengthen roads, parking facilities and bridges Photograph: Tim Graham/Getty