To add you may get the planners that insist you must make the booking time for a reload and they have made special arrangements for the customer to wait for you beyond their normal closing time if you are running late.
I told my planner I would not get there in the evening and I will be there in the morning, but she still told the customer I was going to arrive in the evening.
Thanks, been driving class 1 only for 3 yrs , not much experience doing the long runs especially when it’s a 9hr return and I’m having to rely on my additional extra hour if needed as a contingency.In future I’m going scrutinize Google maps for any live snarl ups and either pull in until it’s clear rather than carry on regardless. Any tips would be appreciated 
Pulling in isn’t really good idea unless you pull in for a break. As sometimes can be ages before it clears.
More you do long distance more your work out where worst spots areas are for traffic.
Just take your time. And keep radio traffic on on radio. As it might tell you M6 is shut so you then have time to pull over fine and alternative route.
Once you get over fact planners are useless traffic is unpredictable. Your enjoy long distances better than local multi drop work.
Just take good days with the bad.
I used be same when first started sending me around central London used get stressed and worried. Everyone in rush pushed for time etc.
But now just don’t bother me just take your time get there late not your problem. Long as you set off at time you was told
The RAC Route Planner website is quite handy to check for road closures and congestion.
It’s updated regularly as the situation changes.
Cheers Ed, appreciate the advice pal..I actually do enjoy the longer runs out…I’ll keep that in mind with regards to the TA on the radio…and yes they’re definitely like a chocolate fireguard 
Your all good. there is a provision in the rules called Article 12 of EC561/2006 Assimilated driving hours rule we now adhere to in the UK. Here it is:
Provided that road safety is not thereby jeopardised and to enable the vehicle to reach a suitable stopping place, the driver may depart from Articles 6 to 9 to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of persons, of the vehicle or its load. The driver shall indicate the reason for such departure manually on the record sheet of the recording equipment or on a printout from the recording equipment or in the duty roster, at the latest on arrival at the suitable stopping place.
So in short you did the right thing and if you want to know more about the updated set of drivers hours rules you can do that here : https://www.transcomnationaltraining.co.uk/blog/changes-to-the-drivers-hours-rules-for-hgv-operators/
Thanks, appreciate your reply and feedback. Fantastic support on this forum 
What you can’t do if out of time is drive past one service station / parking area and continue to the next one just because it’s a better parking spot.
You have to stop at next available space