Volumetric concrete mixers: fact sheet March 2025
Updated 18 March 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-review/outcome/volumetric-concrete-mixers-fact-sheet-march-2025
Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs) are lorries that mix concrete on-site. In the concrete delivery sector, the Department for Transport (DfT) estimates there are in the region of 1,000 VCMs in operation alongside approximately 20,000 barrel mixer vehicles that deliver pre-mixed concrete.
VCM weight limits: what is changing and why
From 2028, all Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs) must follow the same weight limits as other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs):
- up to 32 tonnes for 4 axle rigid vehicles (instead of 38.4 tonnes)
- up to 40 tonnes for 5 axle articulated vehicles (instead of 44 tonnes)
Why VCM lorries were given extra time to adjust
In 2018, VCMs were required to follow the same weight limits as other lorries (up to 32 tonnes for 4 axle rigid vehicles). However, to help businesses adapt, a 10-year arrangement was introduced. This allowed some VCMs to continue operating at higher weights until 2028.
Why current weight limits for VCMs are changing
Fairness and safety
Other heavy lorries must comply with the weight limits set out in the Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998, as amended. VCMs should too.
Protecting roads and bridges
National Highways’ report found that the load effects from heavier VCMs to be up to 17% higher than the load effects from the model for vehicles complying with the current weight limits.
In addition to the impact on bridges, heavier vehicles also put more stress on roads, which impacts maintenance costs and safety.
Time to make the change
The 10-year transition was designed to give businesses time to switch to compliant vehicles. By 2028, there will have been plenty of time to prepare. VCMs account for just under 5% of the total fleet of concrete delivery vehicles.
What happens next
From 2028, VCMs must follow the same weight rules as other lorries. There will be no further extensions.
The 10-year transition was an appropriate adjustment period, and operators have had time to plan for the change. Businesses are expected to adapt, as other industries do when regulations change.
Existing vehicles can continue to operate beyond the end of the temporary arrangement provided they are loaded to the lower weight limits (for example, up to 32 tonnes for 4 axle rigid vehicles).