Reinforced plastic trailers for trucks, invented by British engineers, could ease the load on the world’s roads and help the environment.

UK scientists and engineers have developed a lightweight trailer made from special plastic composites that are much lighter than conventional steel chassis, yet are just as strong. It means trucks could haul heavier payloads and the total number of HGV journeys needed would be reduced.

They would last longer, be easier to re-cycle, cheaper to build, cause less damage in accidents and reduce CO2 emissions.

The lightweight trailers could revolutionise the trucking industry, saving millions of pounds in transport costs, which could be passed on to consumers.

Trucks transporting lighter goods would have lower kerbside weights, thanks to the lightweight trailers, and therefore use less fuel.

Prototypes of the ultra-light impact resistant polymer trailers are already being tested as a result of the ROADLITE project, part of the Government-backed Foresight Vehicle initiative. The initiative aims to ensure Britain’s position as leaders in high technology in the automotive sector.

Euro-Projects (LTTC) Ltd, based in Rothley, Leicestershire, are experts in the application of thermoplastic and thermoset composites They led the project with support from industry and academic partners including Southfields Coachworks Ltd, Vosper Thornycroft (VT Group), Leyland Technical Centre and the University of Nottingham.

The lightweight design uses advanced fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials and sandwich construction technologies. The trailers are made using a vacuum infusion technique. The first was 300kg lighter than its steel equivalent and capable of withstanding 23-tonne concentrated loads. A second prototype was 400kg lighter.

Test trailers have been extensively tested at Leyland’s Technical Centre in Leyland, Lancashire. The prototypes are all flatbed trailers and the research engineers say they can make even more impressive weight savings if box trailers were built.

Further research is currently underway. Gerry Boyce, Manager Director of Euro-Projects, said: "We will continue to work with the technology and there are plans to produce more trailers in the future."

"The pressures placed on the environment are ever-growing. These trailers could make a substantial difference and have a number of advantages to hauliers."

"We are now looking at using similar technologies to make the blades of wind turbines."

More than 400 UK companies and universities have been participating in the industry-backed initiative, known as Foresight Vehicle, led by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).