An MEP believes the new "mega trucks" that have been proposed across the EU should not be allowed on British roads.

UK Independence Party member Mike Nattrass thinks the vehicles - which would be 82 ft long and up to 60 tonnes in weight - will be a "menace" and could cause fatalities, increase pollution and damage the nation's road surfaces.

Writing for Public Service Europe, Mr Nattrass said the European Commission recently revised a vehicle weights and dimensions directive and is worried this could steadily lead to monstrous trucks being used across the continent.

The British government has already said it would not allow mega trucks on to the country's highways, but the MEP fears the authorities will come under intense pressure from logistics companies.

Mr Nattrass wants to see more cargo transported via the rail network - something the government has championed in recent months, as it looks for ways to reduce the UK's carbon emissions.

"An individual freight train can remove up to 160 HGVs from our roads," he remarked.