Following the recent implementation of the HGV ban on Plough Lane, following a campaign from local residents and councillors in both Croydon and Sutton, I wanted to provide an update on how this is enforced following questions to officers. For Plough Lane, the ban is enforced by the police (barring some exceptions outlined below).
The first point to note is that there is an important distinction between:
- a local weight restriction / HGV ban introduced by Traffic Regulation Order on a particular road, and
- the separate London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS), which applies to vehicles over 18 tonnes on certain roads at night and weekends and is enforced separately by London Councils under a civil penalty regime.
In the case of a local road weight restriction, enforcement is generally not routinely undertaken by Croydon Council as a civil moving traffic contravention. Similar London borough guidance states that weight limit enforcement is a matter for the Police, and in wider London policy, HGV weight and size enforcement is described as a joint matter involving the Metropolitan Police Service and the national vehicle enforcement authority (now DVSA).
In practice, this means the Council’s role is primarily to:
- ensure the restriction is supported by the correct legal order and signing,
- review whether the signage remains clear and fit for purpose, and
- record and monitor concerns raised locally.
Where residents or members observe HGVs apparently contravening the restriction, those incidents should be reported to the Metropolitan Police Service, particularly where there is evidence of dangerous driving or repeated non-compliance. Residents can report concerns via:
- RoadSafe London: https://www.met.police.uk/roadsafelondon/
- Police non-emergency: 101
- Emergency services: 999, where there is an immediate danger
If the concern relates specifically to the London Lorry Control Scheme (which applies only to vehicles over 18 tonnes during controlled hours), that scheme is managed and enforced by London Councils, including through Penalty Charge Notices.
Cllr Samir Dwesar
