London Councils is suspending enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme with immediate effect to help the freight and logistics industry cope with increasing pressures and demands from the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus.

This move aims to help keep London’s shop shelves filled with essential supplies such as food, toilet rolls and hand sanitiser.

The decision was made in response to freight industry concerns and Government calls on local authorities to lift night-time restrictions on deliveries.

Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils, said:

“Protecting and supporting Londoners, including our most vulnerable residents, is the boroughs’ top priority as London rises to the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus.

“Suspending enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme will give hauliers peace of mind as they work under incredible pressure to supply London’s shops and other businesses with vital goods our residents need.”

The London Lorry Control Scheme helps to control the routes the largest lorries use overnight and at weekends to minimise noise disturbance for Londoners.

It is an important environmental protection scheme that covers the whole of London and operates between 9pm and 7am during the week and from 1pm Saturday to 7am Monday over the weekend.

It is not a ban and does not prevent any journeys, but vehicles over 18 tonnes do need to have a permit to use restricted roads during operating hours.

Once a vehicle has a permit, the driver can make a delivery or collection anywhere in London at any time, as long as they follow a compliant route in accordance with the rules of the scheme.