London Councils is stepping up its enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) with the introduction of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras across the capital.
The cameras are being rolled out following a successful pilot programme and will work alongside on-street Enforcement Officers to ensure heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators comply with the scheme. The LLCS, in place since 1985, restricts HGV access to residential roads at certain times to reduce traffic, noise, and environmental impact, safeguarding the wellbeing of Londoners.
ANPR cameras will be installed on key routes identified for high non-compliance and operational priority. The technology automatically captures HGV number plates during restricted hours, allowing LLCS officers to check potential breaches before processing any enforcement actions. This approach aims to make enforcement more consistent, efficient, and fair, while also giving London Councils better insight into HGV movements overnight.
To ease the transition, warning notices will be issued to hauliers for two weeks at each new camera location. Revenue generated from any resulting penalty charge notices (PCNs) will fund vital traffic and parking services, with any surplus reinvested in transport initiatives such as the Freedom Pass for older and disabled Londoners.
Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, Executive Member for Transport and Environment at London Councils, said: “The introduction of ANPR cameras will help the London Lorry Control Scheme make use of modern technology, supporting the work of Enforcement Officers on our streets and increasing compliance with the scheme across London. This change will allow enforcement to be applied more consistently, efficiently, and fairly, as well as minimise overnight disruption to London’s communities, allowing Londoners to live in a cleaner, quieter city.”
Operators should note that the operational hours of the LLCS remain unchanged, and HGVs must continue to follow the Excluded Route Network unless a permit allows use of restricted roads during those times.
