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A relaxation of delivery rules in London might prove to be a double edged sword for operators, according to the Freight Transport Association. The London Council agreed in June to double the 20-minute loading/unloading limit to give drivers a 40-minute window. But at the same time the council has ended the pre-11am delivery rules which allowed drivers as long as was necessary to do their job. The FTA fears that deliveries  which take longer than 40 minutes, such as to pubs, will now result in sanctions against drivers.

• Kensington and Chelsea Council implemented the new agreement on 1 November;
• Islington followed suit at the beginning of December;
• Westminster is seeking political agreement from its cabinet members for transport and the environment before implementing a trial of the new rules in January;
• Camden is expected to start implementation in mid-December.

Most of the local authorities in London have yet to make a decision - they are not obliged to implement any part of the London Councils' proposals, although Transport for London has been working through the Freight Quality Partnerships to harmonise delivery rules across the capital.

Natalie Chapman, FTA regional policy manager for London, says: "Westminster certainly has realised it wants to keep as many deliveries as possible pre-11am as there is less footfall traffic. This time slot seems a strange choice today but the fact is it works so we say don't fix it." The FTA is also urging the councils to publicise their new delivery rules as the inconsistent regulations could confuse drivers throughout the capital.