Retailers in London will be able to make and receive night time deliveries during Games time, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed.

With agreement from London Councils and London’s business community,  TfL has ruled the organisations should be “sympathetic” to companies on the Olympic Route Network which are subject to restrictions on key parts of London’s roads.

More flexible delivery rules will allow businesses to make or receive out-of-hours deliveries in the capital during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

CBI London director Sara Parker said: “This agreement on a more flexible approach to deliveries is a real breakthrough, which will mean that London’s businesses can continue delivering a high-quality service to their customers during the Games.

“With so many Londoners and visitors out and about in the capital over the summer, it’s really important that shops, pubs and restaurants can remain fully stocked.”

Companies taking advantage of the relaxation to regulations will be urged to adhere to a Code of Practice for out-of-hours deliveries, drawn up in consultation with the Noise Abatement Society.

Councils will still reserve the right to enforce against businesses that disturb local communities.

London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said trials of quieter deliveries show night time deliveries will be “vital” in keeping London moving over the summer.

He added: “If the industry gets it right this summer, this is also a real opportunity for reducing congestion and improving air quality and road safety in London in the future.”