London Councils is suspending enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme with immediate effect to help the freight and logistics industry cope with coronavirus pressures.

The 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 means that vehicles over 18 tonnes usually need to have a permit to use restricted roads during operating hours. However, given recent government calls on local authorities to lift night-time restrictions on deliveries, London Councils has now said that the enforcement is lifted to help keep London’s shop shelves filled with essential supplies such as food, toilet rolls and hand sanitiser.

Peter John, 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.”

David Wells, CEO of the Freight Transport Association, said: "FTA and its members strongly welcome the London Councils’ decision to suspended temporarily the London Lorry Control Scheme; this is a vital step forward in the industry’s response to the challenges posed by COVID-19. By extending the hours in which deliveries can be made, it strengthens the resilience of the supply chain and helps businesses to keep supermarkets stocked with the essential items consumers need to remain healthy and safe during this unprecedented time, including food, hygiene products and other basic items."