Labour has axed plans to introduce new road rules following a public consultation which could have alleviated issues around future fuel crisis events.
Between April and May 2023, the Department for Transport launched a consultation to seek views on a proposal to temporarily increase the weight of fuel tankers.
This was put forward to allow for more fuel to be transported during times when there are disruptions in the supply chain, which was seen most prominently in Autumn 2021.
Drivers rushed to petrol stations around the UK over fears they would run out of petrol and diesel supplies, which caused panic buying and further chaos.
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The Government will no longer be moving forward with proposals to allow tankers to carry more fuel
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This situation required the Government to organise more deliveries of fuel to forecourts, with the army even being drafted in to deal with the shortages.
While the consultation ended more than 18 months ago, the Government stated that it is “no longer proceeding with this proposal”.
This U-turn comes after the previous Conservative Government gave the green light to the proposals in April, saying it could be used at times when fuel may be in short supply.
It clarified that any exemption would be temporary, with the rules generally being in place for a period of four to five weeks at a time.
It added: “Implementing the proposal requires changes to legislation. Government will, therefore, seek legal powers to make the necessary changes when Parliamentary time allows.
“As this policy has an impact on local authorities, the relevant government departments will, in due course, further assess the funding required as part of the new burdens doctrine so that additional costs can be measured.”
However, the new Labour Government has decided that it would not go ahead with the plans, although failed to give any further details.
Original proposals put forward in the consultation noted that temporary exemptions would be made from the current maximum train weight for fuel tankers of 44 tonnes and allow a maximum of either 48 or 50 tonnes.
While this would have a significant strain on roads along major routes, the Government said it would work with local authorities to mitigate any damage.
This would have involved the creation of new vehicle special orders (VSO) to make local authorities aware of the changes and avoiding certain roads and bridges that are unable to withstand the weight.
In total, the consultation received 47 responses, with 15 from individuals and 32 on behalf of organisations, including fuel hauliers, local authorities and trade associations.
The responses noted potential issues with the proposals, such as the lack of vehicles with a design weight of 48 or 50 tonnes, as well as the risk of insurance costs spiralling.
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During the Autumn 2021 fuel crisis, the armed forces were called in to help with deliveries of fuel
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At present, fuel prices around the UK are generally stagnant, with RAC Fuel Watch forecasting that drivers will not see any significant changes in price.
One litre of unleaded petrol costs an average of 136.91p, while diesel drivers are paying an average of 142.91p.
