Andy Lord TfL Commissioner delivered the keynote speech before Fellows were honoured at the 2026 IOC Fellows Gowning

Andy Lord, Hon fellow of the IOC delivered the 2026 Masterclass keynote.

‘I would like to start the evening by thanking Carl Lomas and Tracey Worth, for inviting me to this event. The work Carl and the Institute of Couriers has done over decades to advance excellence in the courier industry cannot be overstated. As a young motorcycle courier, Carl recognised the need for training, and it is safe to say that your work in this space is of great service to London and the country more broadly.

Recognition

I am proud to be here this evening, to give recognition to those of you receiving your gowns today. In our busy lives, it is important to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the work that you do each day to keep our city moving. All of you have provided a service to an industry without which restaurants would lack food, shops goods, and the capital would grind to a halt. Let me be among the many to wish each of you congratulations this evening. Thank you for your work and your commitment. I want to highlight one person, and that is Louise O'Neil, winner at last year's National Courier Awards of the ‘Special Services to Industry award.’ Louise has continually demonstrated her "vision, dedication, and leadership" within the logistics sector, acting as a champion for the next generation of talent and for women in the industry. For your work you will receive a well-earned life service gold hood. Fabulous recognition.

Importance of freight

Freight and servicing is vital to London’s success. It keeps our supermarkets and cafés stocked; it ensures the delivery of everything from clothes and household goods,to blood and other critical supplies for our hospitals. TfL are committed to clean, safe and efficient logistics. We want to make sure that you have what you need to fulfil this endeavour and for many years the Institute of Couriers has been a close partner, helping us to achieve these objectives.

Clean freight

On clean freight, which the Institute of Couriers have supported through the LoCity programme, we have seen significant progress in the last decade. In 2015, there were just 2,776 electric vans in the UK, now there are over 90,000, 6,000 of which operate in London. The number of electric charge points has also expanded dramatically, with London now home to 25,500 charge points, which is around a third of all EV charging infrastructure across the country and more than any other UK region. In the summer we saw dozens of cargo bikes ‘cruise’ through the capital in celebration. And they should be, with a 42% increase in cargo bikes year-on-year. London is becoming a hub for innovative last mile delivery. I know some of the people in the room today are pioneering the use of zero emission HGVs. Slowly but surely, these are becoming a more regular sight on our roads. Yet the challenge of decarbonisation still remains. We all appreciate that there is more we can do, and to step up the pace. TfL will continue to work closely with the London boroughs and the private sector to hit 40,000 charge points by 2030, making London the world’s first electric vehicle-ready global city. In our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy Update, we committed to support commercial vehicles decarbonise. We are publishing new guidance to ensure charging bays can be used by larger electric vans, and working with the GLA to support shared charging trials at depots in London.

Safe freight

It is a key priority of the Mayor, and TfL, to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network by 2041. Here too, the courier and wider logistics sector has made great strides. Training, such as that promoted by the Institute of Couriers, gives drivers the skills to navigate complex urban environments. The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, FORS, has also helped to improve standards by demonstrating which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice. As part of this initiative, our Safe Urban Driving training course is funded and delivered to increase awareness of the risks to people walking, cycling and motorcycling when driving in urban areas. Over 100,000 drivers have attended the course. It would be remiss not to mention the commitment made by industry to comply with the Direct Vision Standard. Your investment and work has been crucial in reducing the risk posed by blind spots. In Road Safety Week, we were able to announce that vulnerable road users deaths and serious injuries in collisions with HGVs had fallen by 50 per cent. There has been real progress, but I’m sure you will all agree that even one death on our roads is one too many. The work being done by all of you here today is vital if we are to achieve Vision Zero.

Efficient freight

As many of you will know, TfL and the GLA have committed to developing a London Logistics Plan. This plan will set out a framework for the growth of the logistics industry in London over the next ten years. We know that costs and delays for those of you operating in London have grown in recent years. This is something that the plan will seek to address. As London grows, its need for couriers will grow with it. The plan will have a series of actions seeking to address specific issues. Our objective is to allow the logistics industry to serve as an ‘engine for good growth’ in the capital.

And finally, the courier sector is key for London’s economy and your hard work is what keeps this city moving. Every day your dedication supports communities, businesses and people who rely on you. I look forward to working with you, and creating a future where opportunity thrives and your vital contribution continues to be recognised. I hope that everyone here enjoys themselves this evening. You’ve earned it! And one last time, congratulations to those of you receiving your gowns. It is a milestone that I am pleased to recognise with you.

Big fellows applause to close, a well received masterclass, well done Commissioner Andy Lord

Links

The nomination detail for Services winner Louise O'Neil

Gallery of gowning photos – a college of IOC fellows' gowns.

The Masterclass news report for TfL commissioner IOC Hon fellow Andy Lord.

Walking the line gallery, photos by Tiego Grenho