Delivery vehicleUnited Kingdom

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

United Kingdom

88. Delivery vehicle

A delivery vehicle is a vehicle used to transport and deliver goods, parcels, supplies or other items to homes, businesses or other destinations. Delivery vehicles can include vans, trucks, cars, motorcycles, cargo bicycles and other vehicles depending on the type and quantity of goods being transported.

Delivery vehicles must follow the ordinary traffic rules applying to their vehicle category as well as any specific rules concerning loading and unloading, restricted-access areas, parking, vehicle dimensions and low-emission zones. Permission to make a delivery does not automatically allow a vehicle to stop or park anywhere.

A UPS delivery vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • 28704869 • CC BY

What is a delivery vehicle?

A delivery vehicle is a vehicle used to transport goods, parcels, supplies or other items to a particular destination.

Is a delivery vehicle always a van or truck?

No. Deliveries can be made using vans, trucks, cars, motorcycles, cargo bicycles or other suitable vehicles.

Can a delivery vehicle stop to load or unload goods?

Yes, where stopping is legally permitted. Many traffic systems distinguish genuine loading or unloading from ordinary parking when the vehicle remains only for the time necessary to perform the activity.

Can a delivery driver wait in a loading area?

A loading area is intended for active loading or unloading. Remaining there after the delivery activity has finished may constitute parking and may therefore violate the applicable restrictions.

Can delivery vehicles use restricted streets?

Sometimes. Traffic signs may provide an exception for deliveries, loading and unloading or local access. The driver must comply with any times, vehicle restrictions or other conditions shown.

Can delivery vehicles enter pedestrian zones?

Only where local rules or signs specifically allow delivery access. Access may be limited to certain hours, and vehicles may be required to travel at very low speed and give priority to pedestrians.

Can a delivery vehicle park on a pavement or cycle path while unloading?

Not automatically. Loading or unloading does not override general stopping restrictions or rules protecting pavements, cycle paths and other road users.

Can a delivery vehicle use hazard warning lights while illegally stopped?

No. Hazard warning lights warn other road users but do not make an otherwise prohibited stopping or parking position legal.

Can delivery vehicles be restricted by low-emission zones?

Yes. Vans and trucks may be subject to low-emission-zone requirements based on factors such as fuel type, vehicle category and emission standard.

Should drivers take extra care around delivery vehicles?

Yes. Delivery vehicles may stop frequently, reverse, open doors or move between the roadway and loading areas. Other road users should allow sufficient space and anticipate pedestrians or workers moving around the vehicle.

Speed pedelec

Idling

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...