Plan to allow fuel tankers to operate at full capacity during disruption

UK fuel tankers will be permitted to carry more petrol and diesel during disruption to supplies under Government proposals.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on allowing tankers to operate at full capacity to keep forecourts stocked.

This would boost the “efficiency of the fuel supply chain by approximately 6%”, according to the department.

Under current rules, most tankers carry empty space due to the 44-tonne weight limit for vehicles on public roads.

The DfT insisted that “safety will be at the heart of the consultation”, and any increase in fuel capacity would only apply to tankers equipped with “appropriate safety features” such as advanced emergency braking.

Routes used by the heavier vehicles would need to be agreed in advance to ensure the roads are suitable.

Many filling stations ran dry in September 2021 due to panic-buying prompted by reports of HGV driver shortages.

Meanwhile, environmental protesters have targeted oil depots in recent months, affecting some supplies.

Roads minister Richard Holden said: “Thanks to the Government’s bold measures to support the sector, our country has now an even stronger haulage supply chain.

“We will continue to work with and listen to the sector to ensure our forecourts are always well stocked and motorists can fill up with confidence.”