Member News – 19 August 2026

19 August 2026

In this issue:

• National Planning Policy Framework reflects the role of logistics.
• Government seeking views on the ZEV Mandate.
• Logistics Performance Tracker Q2 2026 results.
• Logistics UK responds to consultation on extending VAT online marketplace liability.
• Judicial review reforms: beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Policy updates

National Planning Policy Framework reflects the role of logistics

Logistics UK welcomes the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which includes greater recognition of the sector’s role in supporting economic growth and resilient supply chains, than previous editions.

The framework reflects several recommendations made by Logistics UK during the consultation process, including support for locating logistics developments near strategic transport networks, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and ensuring sufficient, secure lorry parking. It also recognises the importance of driver welfare, road user safety, alternative fuels, and the need for some logistics operations to run overnight.

While Logistics UK will continue to advocate for greater recognition of logistics as critical national infrastructure, the inclusion of dedicated freight and logistics policy is a significant positive step.

Government seeking views on the ZEV Mandate

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation to review the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate (the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes Order), open from 14 August to 23 October 2026. It seeks views on the current zero emission vehicle (ZEV) trajectory and yearly targets, the effectiveness of compliance flexibilities like credit trading and banking, and alternative policy approaches.

The review also looks at options for defining the 2030 phase-out of purely petrol/diesel cars and vans, though the core 2030 and 2035 ambitions remain unchanged, with the review focused on how manufacturers get there. The Mandate applies to cars and vans.

Logistics UK will be responding. Members wishing to share their thoughts should contact Head of Decarbonisation, Lamech Solomon.

Logistics Performance Tracker Q2 2026 results

The latest results from Logistics UK’s member survey, the Q2 2026 Logistics Performance Tracker (LPT), show a more confident picture across logistics companies compared to Q1. Financial health rose to 7.5 out of 10, the highest score since Q3 2023, while UK economic confidence increased sharply from 3.7 to 4.8 and business outlook improved from 5.8 to 6.5.

Additional headline findings include:

Supply chain issues

• 69.5% reported increased transport costs since Q1.
• 79% expect fuel prices to rise and 53% expect greater Red Sea/Suez disruption.

Freight rates

• 67.6% of domestic road freight users and 70.4% of international road freight users expect rates to increase in Q3.
• 37.6% said fuel costs have a moderate or high impact on freight-rate changes.

Warehousing

• 9.6% plan to invest more in warehousing: 8.4% by expanding existing space and 1.2% as first-time investors.
• In Q3, 85.5% expect no change in warehousing take-up, while 4.8% plan to reduce existing space.

Staffing and skills

• 44% of respondents with HGV operations said they do not have sufficient HGV driving staff.
• 30.6% reported severe or very severe difficulties filling fitter, mechanic or technician vacancies.
• Technician roles showed the strongest staffing-growth indicator, with 29.5% reporting an increase.

Logistics UK responds to consultation on extending VAT online marketplace liability

Logistics UK has responded to the government’s consultation on extending VAT online marketplace liability to combat tax non-compliance. The consultation proposes making online marketplaces responsible for collecting and remitting VAT on sales made by UK-based businesses through their platforms, extending a regime that already applies to certain overseas sellers.

In its response, Logistics UK supports extending online marketplace liability to all sellers regardless of where they are established, arguing that this would help tackle VAT fraud, protect Exchequer revenues and create a more level playing field for compliant businesses operating across the logistics, retail and e-commerce sectors. Logistics UK also supports a nil Minimum Platform Threshold (MPT) as the preferred option, with any threshold set as low as practicable to minimise opportunities for avoidance.

The response also argues against excluding second-hand goods from the regime, warning that such an exemption could create a significant new route for VAT avoidance through the misrepresentation of goods. Read Logistics UK’s response here.

Judicial Review reforms: beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Logistics UK has responded to the consultation on Judicial Review reforms: Beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Following member feedback, the response calls for freight and logistics infrastructure to be formally recognised as strategically important. It highlights the need for planning decisions to better reflect the wider economic and supply chain benefits of developments, rather than focusing primarily on local impacts. Logistics UK also recommends streamlined judicial review processes and greater planning certainty for key logistics infrastructure to support economic growth and resilient supply chains.

Read Logistics UK’s response here.

Quick briefs

Skills England round table on improving access, progression and retention in logistics

On 15 September, Logistics UK will be co-hosting a roundtable with Skills England, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other trade associations to explore how the logistics sector can better support people into sustained employment and progression opportunities. Discussions will focus on barriers facing young people and other groups furthest from the labour market, improving progression and retention, strengthening employer engagement, and developing effective pathways into logistics careers. In advance of the meeting, members are encouraged to share examples, challenges and ideas that could help inform the discussion. In particular, Logistics UK would welcome feedback on barriers to recruitment and retention, successful employer-led initiatives, effective work experience models, and practical steps that could improve access to logistics careers over the next 12 months.

To contribute in advance of the discussion, please contact Head of Skills Policy, Bethany Windsor.

Transport Committee inquiry: transport connecting young people to jobs and training

The House of Commons Transport Committee is seeking evidence on how transport can act as a barrier to young people finding, taking up and remaining in employment or training. The inquiry will explore how well these challenges are understood by decision-makers, whether existing powers, funding and policies are sufficient, and the role that employers and transport operators can play in improving access to opportunity. Logistics businesses may wish to highlight issues such as access to employment sites, shift-based working patterns, driving licence costs and the connectivity of industrial and logistics locations.

Members wishing to share their thoughts should contact Head of Skills Policy, Bethany Windsor, before 9 October 2026.

Work and Pensions Committee inquiry: Local delivery of employment support

The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee is seeking evidence on how employment support should be delivered as greater powers are devolved to local areas. The inquiry will examine whether local delivery can better respond to the needs of different places and groups, help address local skills gaps and improve employment outcomes, while maintaining effective national accountability. Logistics businesses may wish to share evidence on workforce participation, skills shortages, employer engagement, progression opportunities and the opportunities and risks associated with devolved employment support programmes.

Members wishing to share their thoughts should contact Head of Skills Policy, Bethany Windsor, before 21 August 2026.

Member exclusive webinar: unpacking Smart Data in transport and what it could mean for operators

Taking place virtually on 9 September from 10:00-11:00 BST, Logistics UK, is pleased to be hosting a webinar on Smart Data in Transport, in collaboration with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).

The webinar will cover what smart data is, what it could look like for freight and logistics, the open government call for evidence and what data sharing looks like in practice.

Smart data is a priority for government and its application in the freight and logistics sector could benefit Logistics UK members.  Members can register for the webinar here.

New briefing note – Smart data in transport

To help members understand smart data and potential implications for the sector, Logistics UK has compiled a briefing note on smart data.

The briefing includes an overview of smart data, its potential applications for freight and logistics, and future government priorities.

To access the briefing note, please contact the Member Advice Centre for a copy: telephone 0370 605 0000 or email [email protected].

New briefing note – Aftermarket vehicle lighting

DVSA has reported a growing number of non-compliant aftermarket lighting devices being fitted to commercial vehicles, including illuminated Vulnerable Road User (VRU) signs, animated LED displays and blue warning beacons. While many operators install these products with safety in mind, some may not meet the requirements of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, potentially leading to MOT failures, prohibitions and roadside enforcement action.

The latest Logistics UK briefing note explains the key risks and practical steps operators can take to remain compliant. Members can contact the Member Advice Centre for a copy: telephone 0370 605 0000 or email [email protected].

OPAL Supply Chain – July Operational Update Report

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) Freight Desk is working in partnership with Police colleagues at the OPAL Supply Chain Desk to combat offences.

The July OPAL Supply Chain Operational Update can be viewed here.

A423 Southam closure and diversion arrangements (August-September 2026)

There are upcoming traffic management measures and a temporary closure of the A423 Banbury Road near Southam to facilitate construction of the new road bridge over the HS2 railway line.

• Overnight lane closures with temporary traffic lights will be in place from 10 August to 21 August 2026, operating between 7pm and 7am.
• A full closure of the A423 will be in place from 21 August to 2 September 2026, operating 24 hours a day, with no through access for road users.
• Following the full closure, temporary traffic lights and lane closures will remain in place from 2 September to 30 September 2026 while utility connections and further construction works are completed.
• A signed diversion route will be in operation, and road users should allow additional journey time.

For HGV, freight and logistics operators:

• There is a 7.5-tonne weight restriction over the railway bridge at Deppers Bridge on the B4451. HS2 has specifically highlighted this restriction and advises operators to check routes carefully before travelling.
• Additional restrictions also apply through Ladbroke and on Ladbroke Road from Bishops Itchington. These routes are not part of the signed diversion route and may be unsuitable for HGVs.
• Freight operators are strongly encouraged to plan journeys in advance and ensure drivers follow the signed diversion route and any applicable vehicle restrictions.

The new road layout over the bridge is expected to open to traffic following completion of the full road closure.

Support and advice

Windscreen wipers not working

Q. One of our vehicles has a broken wiper arm, but the parts will not arrive at the garage for several days. As the weather is good, can we use the vehicle?

A. Within DVSA’s Enforcement Sanctions Policy, it states that if there is no washer/wiper when required then a potential £50 fixed penalty will be given to the driver at the roadside. Within DVSA’s Categorisation of Vehicle Defects, windscreen wipers that are inoperative will attract a delayed prohibition ‘subject to prevailing weather conditions (ie weather is fine)’.

In-cab CCTV

Q. There is talk regarding the potential for in-cab driver CCTV becoming mandatory in commercial vehicles. Is there any legislation to back this up?

A. At present, there are no legislative requirements incoming regarding the fitment and use of in-cab driver CCTV systems. There are an increasing number of operators who are choosing to install in-cab cameras in their vehicles for compliance, risk management, safety reasons and insurance recommendations. They can also be beneficial in the event of an incident, particularly where a driver is not at fault, as the footage may help demonstrate what occurred to support the drivers account and prevent cash for crash schemes.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.

Have your say

Logistics UK works to ensure the voice of the logistics industry is heard by government and decision-makers. By taking part in our surveys, members provide the evidence and insight that help shape policy discussions, consultation responses and industry campaigns.

Logistics UK is currently undertaking a piece of research to better understand not only the sector’s direct economic contribution, but also the wider value it creates across the UK economy. This research will help demonstrate how supportive policy, investment and infrastructure can further enhance the sector’s contribution to economic growth. We have commissioned Capital Economics, a leading independent macroeconomic consultancy, to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the sector’s full economic impact, including its indirect and induced effects on economic activity and employment.

As part of this research, we would be grateful if you could complete a short survey. Your input will help us produce robust and credible estimates of the economic activity supported through the logistics sector’s supply chains, strengthening the evidence base for our engagement with government and policymakers.

Complete the survey here.

Please be assured, we will not compromise your privacy or the confidentiality of your corporate information. All data provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and only anonymised survey responses will be sent to members of the small team at Capital Economics working on this project. Findings will be reported only in aggregated form.