Heavier passenger vehicles did not exempt an N1 van (2026)

Case 2250215316 / 2025-08-27 / Adjudicator Teresa Brennan

ROTHERHITHE TUNNEL APPROACH / BRANCH ROAD

“the Traffic Management Order prohibits goods vehicles in excess of 2 tonnes and does not prohibit passenger vehicles.”

Teresa Brennan

The appellant accepted driving through the tunnel in both directions but said the signs did not adequately explain the gross maximum weight restriction. TfL produced photographs from both entrances and evidence that his vehicle had N1 type approval and a maximum weight of 2159 kg.

Teresa Brennan examined the sign's red circle, lorry image and 2t marking. She found it compliant with diagram 622.1A and clear in conveying the prohibition on goods vehicles exceeding the stated maximum gross weight. The appellant also argued that many passenger vehicles had greater gross weights than his van.

That comparison did not answer the allegation. Brennan explained that the traffic order distinguished goods vehicles from passenger vehicles; their different treatment did not make this van exempt. She found both contraventions proved and refused the appeal. The reasoning concerns vehicle category as well as weight, not a universal two-tonne ban on every vehicle.

Source and case reference

Use case reference 2250215316 in the London Tribunals register to find the official decision. This commentary distinguishes the adjudicator's finding from a possible argument in a different case; previous tribunal decisions do not bind another adjudicator.