The U.K. government has approved the use of longer trucks — or lorries — on British roads, saying it will make businesses more efficient and cut emissions, reports BBC News.

The trucks are 18.55m (61 feet) long, which is about 2.05m longer than the standard size.

One campaign group warned the larger tail swing — the area swept by the rear of the truck as it makes turns — could put pedestrians and cyclists at risk. But government ministers said the lorries, which have been the subject of a pilot trial since 2011, are safe.

There are already around 3,000 of the trucks in use and, from May 31, any business in England, Scotland or Wales will be permitted to use them.

The U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) said the vehicles will help businesses be more productive. However, the Campaign for Better Transport said the change was a "deeply retrograde step," which will "do nothing to tackle carbon emissions or air pollution."

Spokesman Norman Baker added: "Rather than longer lorries, the government should be working to ensure more freight is moved by rail — an efficient, safe and clean alternative with just one freight train capable of removing up to 129 lorries from our roads."