Charlotte McGhie 2nd December 2021

Driving an HGV in London: What You Need to Know

Life as an HGV driver can be both exciting and lucrative. However, it’s worth remembering that operating a large vehicle in London is very different to driving virtually anywhere else in the UK. There are specific rules and regulations you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure you don’t end up with a massive fine or put other people in danger.

If you’ve just earned your HGV licence with us and you’re ready to take advantage of the skills shortage in the market to get the ideal job, make sure you know about these things first.

1 – The Congestion Charge

Congestion in London is a serious issue, and it’s often far more extreme than the congestion elsewhere in the country. You’ll need to factor more time into your deliveries than you would with other cities. There’s also the congestion charge to think about, which can sometimes apply depending on the kind of vehicle you’re driving and the emissions it produces.

The cost for HGVs and lorries is usually around £100 a day in the Low Emission Zone. Make sure you know whether your employer is equipped to deal with these charges.

2 – The Lorry Control Scheme

HGV drivers in London need to consider the “London Lorry Control Scheme”. This is a set of specific measures implemented by London councils to stop 18-tonne and over HGVs from causing issues in residential areas.

There are a number of height and weight restrictions across London to be aware of when planning your route. In some cases, HGV weighing 18 tonnes and over are restricted during weekends and evenings, and certain roads will be off-limits. The city of London also has a 7.5 tonnes gross weight limit on all lorries in central areas.

3 – Bike Safety in London

Cyclist safety is an important consideration in London. Bikes often zip through the traffic in the capital city, and they can easily surprise drivers who aren’t paying a lot of attention. To address this problem, the Mayor of London introduced a £915 million scheme called the Cycle Safety Action plan to reduce cycling casualties by 40%.

You may need to complete the TfL safe urban driving courses as a requirement if you’re regularly driving in London, and your vehicle may need to be assessed to ensure it meets the latest safety standards too.

4 – The Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit

Introduced in March 2021, the Direct Vision Standard and HGV safety permit aims to address certain challenges affecting road safety in London. The Direct Vision Standards determines how much of the road a driver can see through a can window. The HGV safety permit is a permit required by all lorries over 12 tonnes in gross weight when travelling through central London.

It’s free to apply for a permit, and it’s best to double-check whether you’re in need of one before you enter London, as the penalties can be quite expensive.

There are Still Great Opportunities in London

Though London has a number of specific rules, restrictions, and challenges to be aware of as an HGV driver, there are still excellent opportunities available for people with the correct skills. If you have your HGV licence, you can earn a particularly high wage when working for a company in London, particularly now the talent shortage is causing greater demand for drivers.

With our HGV training, you’ll have the confidence you need to tackle driving in any environment, including on London’s complex roads.

Charlotte McGhie

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