Rethinking the London Lorry Control Scheme – a call for collaboration.
The London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) has been in effect since 1985, designed to mitigate noise from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in residential areas. However, as our understanding of congestion, road safety, and emissions has evolved, it’s clear that the original aims of the LLCS are now leading to unintended consequences that warrant a fresh look.
Currently, vehicles over 18 tonnes face strict restrictions on their routes during specific hours: 9PM to 7AM on weekdays, 1PM to 7AM on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays. Operators must seek prior permission to use restricted roads, or risk hefty penalties.
Logistics UK and its members believe it’s time to reassess the LLCS, as it now contributes to several pressing issues:
> Congestion: The scheme forces large vehicles onto the roads during peak hours, exacerbating traffic.
> Road Safety: Vulnerable road users are more at risk when large vehicles operate during busy daytime hours.
> Air Pollution: Detours to avoid restricted roads lead to longer journeys and increased fuel consumption.
> Economic Inefficiencies: Operators must deploy extra vehicles and drivers to meet delivery demands, raising business costs in London.
> Noise: Advances in vehicle technology, particularly electric vehicles, are not factored into the current regulations.
We believe it is now time to bring together the decision-makers at London Councils, the Greater London Authority and the office of the Mayor of London to discuss how the scheme can be revised to prevent the above from negatively impacting on #London, its residents and businesses.
As electric vehicles become more prevalent on our roads and are significantly quieter, we should consider creating exemptions for them within the restricted road network, promoting their adoption among operators.
Any concerns regarding noise during loading and unloading should be addressed separately, fostering a collaborative approach among all regulatory bodies in the city.
We invite feedback on this proposal. Do you share these views? The industry is eager to unite and assess the real impact of these restrictions. If you manage a vehicle fleet and wish to contribute to this dialogue, please reach out in the comments below or Direct Message our page.
Let’s work together for a more efficient and sustainable London.
