Policy and regulations
This page highlights some of the policies and regulations that underpin the safe and sustainable operation of HGVs and provides links to further sources of information. Please note that this is not intended to be a comprehensive guide.
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- You need a goods vehicle operator’s licence if your business uses goods vehicles above a certain weight. Vehicle operator licensing is regulated by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain. For further information see here.
- You must also make sure that any drivers you use or employ have the correct licence and training. All vehicles that you use should be correctly taxed and kept safe and in good condition at all times. For further information, see here.
- Goods vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg must take the annual test. The first test should be 12 months after the vehicle was first registered with DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Further information is available here.
- Professional lorry drivers need to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Further information is available here.
- If you employ or give work to foreign drivers, you should make sure they understand the rules for driving in the UK. The Highways Agency has produced guides for foreign HGV drivers in six languages.
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- If you drive a goods vehicle or a passenger-carrying vehicle you must follow the rules on how many hours you can drive and the breaks that you need to take. For further information, please see here.
- As an employer, you must monitor your mobile workers’ working time (which includes driving) and make sure they don’t go over the limit. You must record working time and keep the records for at least two years. For further information, please see here.
- Tachographs record information about driving time, speed and distance. They are used to make sure drivers and employers follow the rules on drivers’ hours. Further advice is available here.
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- The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has been developed by Transport for London and applies to HGVs operating in London. The standard assesses and rates how much a HGV driver can see directly from their cab in relation to other road users. For further information, please see here.
UK Government Future of Freight
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The Future of Freight plan sets out the government’s long-term vision for the UK freight sector. It identifies five priority areas:
- National Freight Network (NFN)
- Enabling the Transition to Net Zero
- Planning
- People and Skills
- Data and Technology
Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) – Freight Overview:
Based on the above priorities, the government has developed the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP) in partnership with industry which focuses on jointly agreed vision, themes and action to meet the challenges and opportunities with decarbonisation. Below is the list of some key initiatives and commitments highlighted in the plan for road freight:
Road Freight Commitments (2021):
- Consult on phasing out non-zero emission HGVs, aiming to end sales of new non-zero emission HGVs (3.5 – 26 tonnes) by 2035 and all new non-zero emission HGVs by 2040.
- Invest £20 million to develop cost-effective, zero-emission HGVs and refueling infrastructure.
- Financial incentives for zero-emission trucks.
Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator (ZERFD) Programme (May 2022):
- A £200 million initiative addressing the decarbonization of the heaviest road freight vehicles (40–44t trucks) and overcoming infrastructure barriers.
- Launching competitions for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
Ongoing Measures and Initiatives:
- Exploration of policy measures supporting larger HGV payloads, including trials of Longer Semi-Trailers.
- OZEV grants for zero-emission HGVs/LGVs available until 2025.
Automation and Research Initiatives:
- Collaboration on Zero Emissions Automated Logistics for safe deployment of automated delivery and goods vehicles.
- Project Rapid for research on charging needs for electric and light vans.
Emissions Reduction and Support:
- Relaunch of the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) Freight Portal, providing information for smaller freight operators.
This comprehensive roadmap reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient road freight industry. Visit the official Department for Transport’s website for more detailed information.
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The Freight Council is a dynamic cross-modal freight forum which serves as a pivotal nexus for collaboration between the government and the freight sector. It strategically unites Department for Transport (DfT) ministers, government representatives, and CEO-level figures from various freight modes including air, road, rail and sea.
Operating quarterly, the Council played a crucial role in co-developing the Future of Freight plan, emphasising its commitment to steering the sector toward a world-class, globally competitive service. The Council has a responsibility to provide strategic thought leadership and input into the plan’s delivery using an evidence-based, solutions-focused approach to address cross-cutting challenges in the freight sector. The Council collaborates on immediate freight resilience issues and avoids duplicating other government work, maintaining a unique position as a forum for constructive industry-government partnership. For additional information, visit the Department for Transport’s website.
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The Freight Energy Forum, spearheaded by the Department for Transport (DfT), stands as a pivotal alliance between industry and government dedicated to propelling the freight sector toward a net-zero future by 2050. With a primary focus on energy infrastructure, the Forum encompasses road, rail, maritime, aviation freight, warehousing, and distribution.
Originating from the Future of Freight plan, this collaborative initiative includes logistics providers, energy sector representatives, and government officials from departments like DESNZ and DLUHC. The Forum operates as an expert advisory body, committed to an evidence-based, solutions-focused approach in addressing the challenges of zero-carbon energy infrastructure. Reporting to the Freight Council, the Forum distinguishes itself as an action-driven entity with a commitment to driving progress. Visit the Department for Transport’s website for comprehensive details on the Freight Energy Forum.
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