London Lorry Control Scheme

Have you heard of the London Lorry Control scheme? Controversially, the LLCS is also referred to as the lorry ban.  The scheme controls routes for vehicles over 18 tonnes maximum gross weight allowing HGV’S to drive through the night and over the weekends.

London Lorry Control scheme has the objective to reduce noise pollution in residential areas during unsociable hours especially in heavily populated areas during the night.

HGV drivers can drive through the night and over the weekends if absolutely necessary by adopting strict control measures on the route that the driver takes. As with all HGV drivers, at Tardis, our drivers who operate around London use ERN (Excluded Road Network) and restricted routes. Certain jobs may require obtaining permission for a restricted route. Routes are often instantly approved via the London Lorry Control scheme website.

The scheme operates under the following times:

• Monday-Friday: 9 pm – 7 am
• Weekends: Saturday 1 pm through to Monday 7 am
• Bank holidays: Treated as a normal weekday

You can view a map here on the London council webpage.

In conjunction with the London Lorry Control Scheme, Transport of London has two separate schemes aimed to reduce pollution and emissions. This is the low emission zone and the ultra-low emission zone.

Euro Engine Requirements

At Tardis, we are preparing our fleet of vehicles to adhere to the upcoming changes to the Ultra Low Emission zone by introducing our new Euro 6 diesel engines. Remember, these changes will be taking place from April 8th, 2019 as part of the new ultra-low emission zone. Our Tardis tankers are ready, are you?

Low Emission Zone

The low emission zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2008 and covers most of Greater London. The purpose of the LEZ is to reduce heavy diesel polluting vehicles in London.

To check if your vehicle meets the requirements for the LEZ, there is a vehicle check from the transport of London.

It is important to remember that the Low Emission Zone is different to the London Congestion Charge. During the hours 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public and Bank Holidays) if you drive through the London congestion zone, you will have to a congestion fee (even if you meet LEZ requirements).

• View the LEZ map in conjunction with the LEZ checker to see if your vehicle meets LEZ standards.

London has a heavy and extensive road network. Certain zones have different requirements to meet when driving through the zone. The purpose is to help reduce both noise and air pollution during certain times of the day. The ultra-low emission zone will be introduced on April 8th, 2019.

Ultra Low Emission Zone

Exactly the same as the area the Congestion Charging Zone. In preparation, the roads affected will be signposted clearly when the ULEZ comes into place.

Vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards, the register vehicle owner will receive a penalty charge notice (a PCN). Vehicles will be charged based on the emissions produced, not necessarily the age of the vehicle.

Phase 1

Phase 2 (October 2018) 

• You can check here via the ULEZ Vehicle checker from the Transport for London.

Remember- 

• The ultra-low emission zone will be replacing the T-charge. T-charge is a scheme where older vehicles must meet euro emission standards.

Did you know?

• London Lorry Control scheme operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round!
• London Lorry Control scheme is also known as the “London Lorry Ban” which is misleading as it doesn’t ban HGV’s but restricts routing options.
• If your vehicle meets LEZ requirements, it does not necessarily mean it will meet the new ULEZ requirements.