Member News – 26 August 2026

26 August 2026

In this issue:

• New Logistics UK website launched.
• Government announces plans to expand planning powers of reginal mayors.

Policy updates

New Logistics UK website launched

Logistics UK is delighted to announce that its new website is now live.

Designed to provide an enhanced online experience, the new website features improved navigation and functionality, making it easier for members to find the information, services and resources needed. Logistics UK will continue to develop and enhance the site over time to ensure it meets the evolving needs of its members.

To access the Member area of the website, members will need to:

• Go to the site and click on Member Login in the top right, select the option ‘Register for a website account’.
• Fill in your name, email and set a password of at least 16 characters and click register.
• An email from the site will send you a 6-digit verification code, type this in once received (or click resend if it does not arrive within 5 minutes).
• After entering the verification code, you will need to login to gain access.

If you do not receive the verification email, please check your junk or spam folder before contacting us.

If you need additional help or would like to provide some feedback, please contact Customer Support.

Government announces plans to expand planning powers of regional mayors

The Prime Minister has announced plans to expand the planning powers of regional mayors, allowing them to intervene in and potentially overrule local planning objections. Subject to parliamentary approval, these powers could come into force by the end of the year through the English Devolution Act.

The proposals would apply to developments comprising more than 150 homes, commercial developments exceeding 15,000 square metres, or buildings taller than 30 metres.

While further detail is still required, these changes could support the delivery of strategically important logistics developments, which can face lengthy planning processes and appeals despite strong economic and operational justification.

Logistics UK will await further details and keep members informed of updates when published.

Quick briefs

Logistics UK responds to Make Work Pay: Ending one-sided flexibility consultation

Logistics UK has responded to the government’s consultation on ending one-sided flexibility on 25 August, supporting the objective of improving security and predictability for workers while warning that the detailed regulations must remain proportionate and workable for sectors that rely on flexible labour. In the response, Logistics UK calls for protections to be targeted at workers with the lowest levels of contractual security through an 8-hour threshold, longer 52-week reference periods that reflect seasonal and fluctuating demand, and a practical approach to temporary labour needs. The response also highlights the vital role agency workers play in keeping UK supply chains moving and argues that employers and labour providers must retain sufficient flexibility to respond to changing customer demand, disruption and workforce pressures. Across the proposals, Logistics UK urges government to balance worker protection with the flexibility, responsiveness and resilience that are essential to the efficient operation of logistics and the wider economy.

Safe Loading Pass Scheme (SLPS) Terminal Checks

The Management Group of the SLPS has issued the final update on the Terminal Check project. The project will enhance the existing scheme, which is an integral part of participating fuel terminal’s safety management system.

Terminal organisations and fuel tanker vehicle operators are again invited to complete online surveys to be set up on the system ahead of the launch on 15 September.

A copy of the communication can be found here.

M6 Thelwall Viaduct (Northbound and Southbound) – Expansion joint replacement works – September 2026 to winter 2027-28

National Highways is conducting essential maintenance work on the M6 at the Thelwall Viaduct between junction 20 and junction 21 in Warrington.

Preparatory works will begin on 1 September beneath the viaduct. To carry out the main works safely and to minimise disruption, a contraflow-running system will be introduced on the M6 between junctions 20 and 21 from 12 October 2026. The contraflow will remain until completion of the works and will include a 40mph speed restriction, which will be enforced by average speed cameras in both directions of travel. Works are planned to be carried out on a 24/7 basis to minimise our programme, which is expected to be completed in winter 2027-28.

To safely set up the traffic management layout, the following full overnight closures (10pm to 5am only) will be required:

• Junction 20 to junction 21 northbound carriageway on Monday 28 September and Tuesday 29 September 2026.
• Junction 21a and junction 20 on the southbound carriageway on Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 1 October 2026.
• Junction 20 to junction 21 on the northbound carriageway on Sunday 11 October 2026.
• During overnight full carriageway closures, traffic will be diverted off the M6 and should follow the clearly signed diversion. Motorists can follow the route via the M56, M60 and M62 in both directions.

The first phase of contraflow running begins on 12 October 2026 which will enable works to be undertaken on the northbound carriageway. That will involve the following traffic management between junctions 20 and 21 until Spring 2027:

• Daytime – 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions of travel, with a 40mph speed restriction in place on both carriageways. The southbound carriageway will be utilised for one of the northbound lanes.
• Night-time – 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained on the southbound carriageway, whilst the northbound carriageway will be restricted to one lane between 10pm and 5am. The northbound exit slip road at junction 21 will remain open at all times.

Questions can be directed to National Highways’ customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000 or by emailing [email protected].

National vehicle Crime Intelligence Unit

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has published its fortnightly freight crime intelligence bulleting which can be viewed here.

Aviation Council’s Air Cargo Working Group survey

The Aviation Council’s Air Cargo Working Group has developed an Air Cargo Competitiveness Survey to gather views from across the sector on the key issues affecting the competitiveness of the UK air cargo industry.

The Aviation Council is a ministerially chaired forum that brings together government and industry to discuss strategic aviation issues. The findings from this survey will be presented to the Minister for Aviation by the Air Cargo Working Group.

The survey can be accessed here, and will remain open until Monday 21 September 2026.

All survey responses will be treated in strict confidence and handled in accordance with DfT’s data protection and information management requirements. Responses will be collated by DfT, and any findings shared with the co-chairs of the Aviation Council’s Air Cargo Working Group will be presented in aggregated and anonymised form. Individual company data or examples will not be attributed to specific organisations.

Member exclusive webinar: unpacking smart data in transport and what it could mean for operators

A reminder that Logistics UK is hosting a smart data webinar in collaboration with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) on 9 September from 10:00-11:00 BST.

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.

Support and advice

Emergency service vehicle walkaround checks

Q. Are emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, fire appliances and police vehicles exempt from daily walkaround checks before being used on the road?

A. No. Emergency service vehicles are not exempt from daily walkaround checks and must still be inspected by a driver or designated responsible person before use. These checks help ensure vehicles remain safe, roadworthy and compliant with operational requirements.

To minimise any impact on emergency response times, checks can be completed at the start of each shift, allowing defects or safety concerns to be identified and addressed before the vehicle is required for service.

Inspecting vehicles or trailers over 12 years old

Q. If a vehicle or trailer is more than 12 years old, but only used occasionally, covers low annual mileage and operates under light duty conditions. Must it still follow the six-week safety inspection schedule?

A. Generally, yes. National statistics show that as vehicles and trailers age, MOT failure rates increase and they are more likely to develop roadworthiness defects than newer vehicles. For this reason, the guidance recommends a minimum safety inspection frequency of every six weeks for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years or older.

However, inspection intervals may be extended where there is evidence of low-risk operation such as low mileage, infrequent use, light loading or a strong maintenance history, while still demonstrating ongoing safety and roadworthiness.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.