A REVOLUTIONARY lorry designed by an engineer from the Richmond area could be the basis of a safe and efficient new transport system for the 21st Century.

Carl Henderson hopes to win European backing for his extra-stable and manoeuvrable vehicle, one version of which is already being tested by a major haulier.

The 16m full-sized version was built following successful trials of a one-sixteenth scale model built by Mr Henderson at his home near the village of Skeeby.

The idea was taken on board by trailer builders Don-Bur, of Stoke-on-Trent, and is being road tested in the North-West by international haulier Christian Salvessen. It was also well received at the Truckscot 2000 trade show in Glasgow last summer.

The design is based on a rigid trailer with a pivotal bogie which allows the vehicle to take up less road width as it moves around roundabouts and corners and into restricted accesses.

"The lorry is more stable, more efficient, uses less fuel and there is less damage to tyres and to road surfaces and kerbs," said Mr Henderson, who hopes to win EC support to develop a bus-style vehicle along the same lines.

The lorry was tested at the Leyland technical centre in Lancashire and is the subject of a promotional video made by Don-Bur.