The United Kingdom applies local and regional restrictions to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in order to manage traffic flow, reduce emissions and limit noise pollution, particularly in urban and residential areas. There is no nationwide truck driving ban in the UK. However, weight-, time- and location-based restrictions apply, most notably in London and in cities operating emission control schemes.
Weight and time-based HGV restrictions
Certain roads and urban areas impose restrictions on HGVs over 18 tonnes, especially during night-time and weekends. These restrictions are primarily designed to reduce noise nuisance in residential areas and congestion during sensitive periods.
In London, these controls are formalised under the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS).
London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS)
The London Lorry Control Scheme regulates the movement of HGVs with a maximum gross weight exceeding 18 tonnes on designated roads during restricted hours.
Restricted operating times
- Monday to Friday: 21:00 – 07:00
- Saturday: from 13:00 until 07:00 on Monday
- Public holidays: restrictions generally follow weekday controls
HGV operators must obtain prior permission to use restricted roads during these hours. Failure to comply may result in penalties of up to:
- £550 for operators
- £130 for drivers
Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and emission regulations
To address air quality concerns, several UK cities operate Clean Air Zones (CAZs). In these zones, HGVs must meet minimum emission standards (typically Euro VI for diesel vehicles) to avoid daily charges.
- Non-compliant HGVs may be charged around £50 per day, depending on the city.
- Charges apply in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford, Sheffield and Bath.
- London operates stricter schemes via the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Operators are advised to:
- Check local CAZ requirements in advance
- Use compliant vehicles or plan alternative routes
Factor emission charges into route and cost calculations
UK bank holidays 2026
While bank holidays do not introduce a national HGV driving ban, they are important for planning due to reduced staffing, local restrictions and cross-border transport coordination.
England and Wales
- 01.01.2026 – New Year’s Day
- 03.04.2026 – Good Friday
- 06.04.2026 – Easter Monday
- 04.05.2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25.05.2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- 31.08.2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- 25.12.2026 – Christmas Day
- 28.12.2026 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
- 01.01.2026 – New Year’s Day
- 02.01.2026 – New Year’s Day (additional)
- 03.04.2026 – Good Friday
- 04.05.2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25.05.2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- 03.08.2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- 30.11.2026 – St Andrew’s Day
- 25.12.2026 – Christmas Day
- 28.12.2026 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
- 01.01.2026 – New Year’s Day
- 17.03.2026 – St Patrick’s Day
- 03.04.2026 – Good Friday
- 06.04.2026 – Easter Monday
- 04.05.2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25.05.2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- 13.07.2026 – Battle of the Boyne (substitute day)
- 31.08.2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- 25.12.2026 – Christmas Day
- 28.12.2026 – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Although TIMOCOM has taken the necessary care in preparing this information, we accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors it might contain. In particular, we accept no liability for damages of any kind that are the direct or indirect consequence of actions and/or decisions based on the information provided here.
