The European Union is forcing Britain to accept heavy-weight trucks on UK roads which will cost the country billions in infrastructure unless the government steps in, according to the Freight on Rail lobby.

The proposal for harmonising weights across Europe would see a reduction in CO2 emissions already led by Sweden use of 25-metre long 60 tonners for more than 50 years, said Road Haulage Association Jack Semple, who backs of the use of bigger trucks as “more sensible”.

Britain currently limits trucks to 16.5 metres and 44 tonnes, but a 10-year trial of 18.5-metre vehicles will commence at the end of January.

Freight on Rail manager Philippa Edmunds said the use of mega-trucks will cause more congestion, pollution and road fatalities at a higher cost, reported London’s International Freighting Weekly.

Ms Edmunds cited Austria, a smaller country than the UK, had to adapt the roads for 50 per cent bigger trucks at a cost of EUR5 billion (US$6.47 billion). This a third heavier than what is permitted in Britain.

“The impact of lorries two metres longer has not even been assessed yet, let alone of an additional eight metres,” Ms Edmunds said. “The UK government must oppose the EC proposals now, otherwise it will not be able to resist them in future.”

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