The HCVS 63rd London to Brighton Run
A warm welcome to you all – especially those of you that have scanned the QR code to find out more…
So, why do we, as the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, have our own London to Brighton Run?
It all goes back to the abolishment of the Red Flag Act – but what exactly was that?
The Red Flag Act, formally known as the Locomotive Act 1865, was repealed by the Locomotives on Highways Act 1896 which was passed on November 14th 1896 and came into effect immediately.
The earlier legislation imposed strict limitations on early motor vehicles. It required three attendants, including one person walking ahead carrying a red flag to warn others, and enforced very low speed limits. These rules significantly restricted the development of road transport.
The 1896 Act transformed everything. It reclassified cars as “light locomotives” (under three tons) and removed these outdated restrictions, most notably abolishing the need for a man with a red flag.
To celebrate this momentous change, motorists marked the occasion by travelling from London to Brighton, symbolically destroying the red flag and heralding the dawn of the motoring age.
The repeal removed a major barrier to the growth of the British motor industry. It allowed higher speeds and encouraged wider use of vehicles beyond slow-moving steam powered machines. This moment remains an important part of our commercial heritage.
Even today, echoes of early legislation can be seen in historic vehicle regulations – where heavy goods vehicles were once limited to speeds as low as 20mph.
From this history, a tradition was born – one that Parliament cannot undo.
The Historic Commercial Vehicle Society (HCVS) was founded in 1958 by a small group of passionate enthusiasts. These early pioneers played a vital role in preserving commercial vehicles and influencing legislative change to protect them.
Now, in 2026, our work continues. With six areas across the country, we proudly celebrate Britains rich commercial vehicle heritage. We welcome ANY commercial vehicle that is 20 years old or more.
If you have enjoyed what you have seen in Brighton today, why not become a member? You don’t need to own a vehicle to be part of the HCVS family. With our 70th anniversary approaching in under two years, there has never been a better time to get involved, so keep an eye out for updates.
Take a look at the run poster Here
THE ROUTE
The route for the 63rd London To Brighton Run 2026 is confirmed as follows;
Clapham Common (Start) A205 from 7.30 - 9.00 What3Words Radio-Ended-Forces
Streatham Hill / Common A23
Norbury A23
Thornton Heath A23
Purley Way / Croydon Aerodrome A23
Coulsdon A23
Redhill A23
Horley A23 / B2036
Balcombe B2036 9.00 - 10.30am
Cuckfield High Street
Ansty A2036
Burgess Hill A2036
Hassocks A23
Brighton Finish Line Madeira Drive 10:30am - 5pm
Please see further information on the route including closest railway stations, places to grab a coffee and take photographs ROUTE DETAILS