Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the ban on volumetric concrete mobile plants in 2028 on the environment.

The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). The outcome of this review was published on 18 March 2025. The following factors were considered: reduction in payload per journey, increased waste, and increased vehicle mileage.

Some VCM operators have argued that heavier VCMs could reduce overall trips and emissions, however, the increased road and bridge damage would result in more frequent repairs, offsetting these potential benefits.

As part of its consideration of the evidence, the Department for Transport also assessed the potential environmental impacts in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 which requires Ministers of the Crown to have ‘due regard’ to the environmental principles policy statement when making policy.

VCMs will continue to be permitted on our roads, but as planned, a temporary weight limit exemption for this type of vehicle (via vehicle special orders) will end on 31 March 2028, after which VCMs must operate at the legal weight limits applicable to other heavy good vehicles. This is not a ban or change in policy.