The shift comes as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s strategy to prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport across the capital. According to TfL, a number of areas in central London are set for transformation to reduce vehicle access and improve air quality, prompting logistics operators to adjust their delivery schedules.
Palletline London, a member of the UK-wide palletised freight network Palletline, currently operates a fleet of 26 vehicles, including three electric trucks. The company has already been facilitating overnight deliveries for retailers such as Uniqlo, LPP and BrewDog.
“In-night delivery allows us to operate more efficiently and avoid congestion,” said Ucal McLeod of Palletline London, adding that reduced traffic at night means faster turnaround and better fleet utilisation.
The company’s fleet is fully compliant with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which mandates minimum safety standards for HGVs operating in London. Non-compliant operators risk fines of up to £250 per vehicle per day.
Palletline London also reports increasing demand for secure, double-manned night deliveries of high-value goods. Such operations often require additional training and compliance measures, particularly in the retail sector.
As access regulations tighten in London’s urban core, more businesses are expected to seek out adaptable logistics solutions that comply with safety and environmental standards. Palletline London said it is prepared to meet this need with existing infrastructure and capacity for further overnight delivery expansion.
