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Written question asked by Satvir Kaur (Labour) on Thursday, 12 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 June 2025. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Friday, 20 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Large Goods Vehicles: Concrete

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the ban on volumetric concrete mobile plants in 2028 on the environment.

Answer

The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). The outcome of this review was published on 18 March 2025. The following factors were considered: reduction in payload per journey, increased waste, and increased vehicle mileage.

Some VCM operators have argued that heavier VCMs could reduce overall trips and emissions, however, the increased road and bridge damage would result in more frequent repairs, offsetting these potential benefits.

As part of its consideration of the evidence, the Department for Transport also assessed the potential environmental impacts in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 which requires Ministers of the Crown to have ‘due regard’ to the environmental principles policy statement when making policy.

VCMs will continue to be permitted on our roads, but as planned, a temporary weight limit exemption for this type of vehicle (via vehicle special orders) will end on 31 March 2028, after which VCMs must operate at the legal weight limits applicable to other heavy good vehicles. This is not a ban or change in policy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
59664
Session
2024-26
Related items
Large Goods Vehicles: Concrete
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Environment protection Large goods vehicles Concrete Weight limits
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk