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.

London Councils says the decision was made in response to freight industry concerns and Government calls on local authorities to lift night-time restrictions on deliveries. The enforcement suspension will initially be in place until 30 April 2020, but this will be kept under review and extended if necessary.

“Protecting and supporting Londoners, including our most vulnerable residents, is the boroughs’ top priority as London rises to the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus,” said Cllr Peter John OBE, Chair of London Councils.

“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 covers the whole of London and operates between 9pm and 7am during the week and from 1pm Saturday to 7am Monday over the weekend.

While it does not prevent any journeys, vehicles over 18 tonnes need to have a permit to use restricted roads during operating hours.

“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,” said David Wells, CEO of the Freight Transport Association. “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.”