The Metropolitan Police’s decision to shelve its commercial vehicle unit is a retrograde step that will significantly impact the relationship between hauliers and the police, according to Logistics UK.
The business group said the closure of the CV unit was a negative move and that it had worked closely with it for a number of years and members valued the insight and advice provided by specialist officers.
First reported in sister publication Commercial Motor, the Met’s CV unit will be dissolved and will not continue in its current form, according to details released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Chris Yarsley, senior policy manager at Logistics UK, said: “The members of the unit now have an excellent understanding of the working of our sector, and our close liaison has expanded knowledge in both organisations to the benefit of all road users.
“It is imperative that the strengths of the current unit are not lost in any reorganisation to ensure continued expansion of expertise and no dilution in policy making decisions.”
It is now seeking urgent clarification on how the responsibilities of the unit are to be fulfilled.
Motor Transport understands that a new operating model between the Met and Transport for London will include the creation of a ‘road danger reduction team’, which will enforce the most serious road traffic offences, such as speeding, drink and drug driving and driving while on a mobile phone.
This team will also take on some of the functions of the CV unit, as well as the cycle safety team and the motorcycle safety team.
Other activities will form part of the Met’s core policing activity and delivered by the force-funded roads policing team, or other Met teams.
However, there remains little detail about how this will work or how the security of haulage operators will be upheld. The changes are expected to take effect in February 2026.
Yarsley added: “We must have confirmation that the knowledge the existing unit holds will not be diluted or lost, which would have a negative impact on the operators of commercial vehicles, not just in London but across the country.
“It is imperative that our sector sees the planned road safety strategy for the capital, led by the department for transport, as soon as possible, so that ground is not lost in our combined efforts to maintain and improve road safety for all.”
The Met police was approached for comment.
