The UK haulage industry operates under a growing set of regulations – beyond HGV driving licences and training – that are designed to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and support cleaner transport across cities and towns.
Here are some of the regulations haulage companies need to comply with, some of which will come into play with your transport booking.
Safety requirements
For goods that need to travel through (most of) Greater London, a haulage company will need to have the right safety permit and safe systems fitted, as follows:
HGV Safety Permit
All heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) exceeding 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) must hold a valid safety permit before operating on any public road in Greater London. Operating without one results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fine (£550, reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).
Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
The DVS star rating reflects how much a driver can see directly from the cab. From late 2024 onwards, HGVs over 12 tonnes must have either a minimum three-star DVS rating or be fitted with the Progressive Safe System (PSS). The PSS includes two mandatory sensor components:
- Blind spot information systems
- Moving off information systems
These systems are particularly important for addressing blind spots and aim to make the road safer for vulnerable users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
>> Read more on this guidance from Transport for London
Emissions compliance and Clean Air Zones
Across the UK, many cities now enforce Clean Air Zones (CAZ), designed to reduce harmful emissions from freight and commercial transport. Vehicles that don’t meet required standards may be charged daily when entering these zones.
Vehicles must meet the Euro VI standard for nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate patter (PM) to avoid daily charges.
In London, both the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operate 24/7, requiring compliant heavy vehicles to meet strict Euro VI standards for NOx and PM or pay charges to travel within these areas.
Other cities with CAZ schemes include Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Bath and Bradford — each comes with their own fee structures and compliance rules.
CAZ schemes are enforced through automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR)cameras and can result in substantial penalties for non-compliant vehicles.
There are different rules for driving in a low emission zone in Scotland.
>> Read five benefits of Euro VI compliant vehicles
Additional restrictions
The London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) restricts HGVs with a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes from accessing specific roads during night hours and weekends to help reduce noise and pollution. Permission is required for vehicles needing access to restricted roads during controlled hours. Failure to comply will result in a fine.
Future regulation
In early 2026, the UK Government began consulting on a new HGV CO₂ emissions regulatory framework to support a transition towards zero-emission heavy vehicles by 2040 – aligning the haulage sector with broader climate targets.
This could lead to future carbon reduction regulation around emissions reporting and the gradual phase-out of new non-zero emission truck sales.
Staying ahead of such requirements not only avoids penalties but strengthens compliance, safety and sustainability across fleet operations. Look for haulage firms who are committed to raising standards, investing in and operating modern, efficient vehicles, and providing cost-effective transports for customers.
For example one marker that shows this, is Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation – a voluntary scheme in which fleet operators must show they meet with key standards on safety, efficiency, environmental protection, and overall excellence in fleet operations.
>> Read more on FORS: Our FORS Bronze Accreditation.
Find out more and get a quote
If you’re looking for a logistics partner that invests in performance, you’re in the right place. Let International Forwarding Ltd (IFL) build you a cost-effective haulage solution tailored to your operation, your situation, and your budget.
- +44 (0)1675 434690
- enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk
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