Temporary Prohibition on Waiting, Loading and Unloading on the M77/A77 Ballantrae Trunk Road and UK Health and Safety Compliance
What has changed
The M77/A77 Trunk Road (Ballantrae) (Temporary Prohibition on Waiting, Loading and Unloading) Order 2026 imposes a temporary prohibition on waiting, loading and unloading along the specified section of the trunk road. The order is intended to improve road safety by reducing obstructions and improving traffic flow on this route. It is a temporary measure and organisations should check the order for the exact dates and scope to adjust operations accordingly.
Who is affected
The change affects road hauliers, delivery contractors, retailers and service engineers that load or unload on the affected stretch. It can impact any business relying on curbside loading or last-mile deliveries to Ballantrae.
Why it matters for health and safety and business operations
By prohibiting waiting, loading and unloading on the trunk road, the order reduces the risk of traffic conflicts and manual handling incidents associated with roadside loading. Organisations must ensure that their risk assessments and safe systems of work reflect the revised loading arrangements and that drivers and loaders are briefed on the new requirements. This update aligns with UK health and safety law and HSE requirements, which require duty holders to manage risks from vehicle movements and loading activities, and highlights the need to plan for changed loading locations and to communicate clearly with partners and customers to prevent unsafe practices.
What organisations should do next
- Check whether your deliveries or loading activities use the affected section and adapt plans accordingly
- Update risk assessments and safe systems of work to reflect new loading constraints
- Communicate revised delivery slots and loading points with suppliers, customers and contractors
- Update driver and loader training and supervision to ensure compliance and safe practice
- Review contractor management to ensure all partners comply with the temporary prohibition
- Align your health and safety management system with ISO 45001 to maintain ongoing regulatory compliance
For practical support, organisations can engage partners such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management or consult health and safety risk assessments with a competent adviser.
This temporary change underscores how road safety and regulatory updates can affect business operations and workplace risk management. Timely planning and practical action will support ongoing regulatory compliance and safe loading practices.
