The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation into potential changes to the ongoing semi-trailer trial.

Government officials had hoped to allocate 1,800 of the longer trailers to logistics industry professionals by December 2013, but this target is unlikely to be met.

As a result, the DfT wants to open up the scheme to more organisations and make it easier for firms to take part.

The body has been offering two types of trailer - 14.6 m and 15.65 m - since the pilot initiative was first launched in January 2012 and feels it would be better to change the application process now, rather than wait until December.

A document published by the DfT outlined the terms of the consultation, which will be left open until July 9th.

"Operators are also asking to obtain or increase an allocation, while others are not taking up their allocation in full or at all. So there is a clear mismatch between supply and demand," the report stated.

It is hoped logistics firms will be able to reduce the number of journeys they make if longer trailers are made available to them, thus slashing carbon output.