Lorry drivers slapped with heavy penalties as council enforces weight restrictions to protect residents and road surfaces
Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Wandsworth Council is stepping up enforcement on weight‑restricted roads across the borough, targeting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with penalties if they ignore signs that restrict them using residential streets.
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In a new crackdown on lorries using restricted roads, the council is focusing on areas where residents have raised concerns and there is evidence of non‑compliance, including streets in Southfields, Putney, Earlsfield, Battersea and Tooting.
Councillor Daniel Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Weight restriction road signs are there for a purpose - to protect residents and road surfaces from vehicles that are too big and heavy for local streets.
“Residents are rightly concerned about HGVs damaging parked cars and putting pressure on smaller roads which leads to damage and potholes.
"So we’re stepping up our CCTV monitoring and issuing penalties to more drivers who break the rules and put people and roads at risk.”
The council issued 29 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in June 2026 and drivers are warned that this number will increase as the council accelerates monitoring and enforcement action this summer.
How it works
The council deploys roving CCTV cars across the borough to capture the number plate, date and time of vehicles that are failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on vehicles weighing over 7.5t.
Penalty Charge Notices of £160 are then issued to drivers after the footage has been reviewed by the council to confirm a contravention and check whether the vehicle is classified as an HGV.
These locations have been prioritised due to resident concerns and the level of unauthorised HGV traffic.
HGVs are permitted to enter weight-restricted roads where access is required, for example to make deliveries or access premises.
The council will regularly review the level of non-compliance on borough streets and consider additional measures if needed.
Have you got concerns about your street?
Residents can contact the council if they are concerned about the impact of larger lorries or heavy vehicles using local streets. Email DTSParking@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
