Transport for London’s (TfL) Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
From 1 March, HGVs operating in or entering Greater London will need to meet Transport for London’s (TfL) Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements. The scheme was postponed so affected businesses have more time to meet the new standards in recognition of the major pressures on the haulage sector during the pandemic.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is required by operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) to enter or operate in Greater London. Some vehicles may be exempt from the HGV Safety Permit Scheme. These include specialist construction vehicles built for mainly off-road use (for example, telehandlers and mobile cranes).
The aim of the DVS scheme and safety permit is to make roads safer for vulnerable road users such as walkers and cyclists in the capital.
The tougher standards for London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) means that heavy diesel vehicles including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles will need to meet Euro VI (NOx and PM) emissions standards or pay a daily charge (£100 for entering the zone or £300 if they don’t meet Euro IV PM standards) to drive within the Greater London area. Penalties of up to £550 will be payable once the scheme starts next month.
Vehicles will receive a permit if they meet direct vision requirements according to TfL’s star rating system, or for zero-star-rated vehicles if the necessary Safe System equipment has been installed.
TfL has allowed a 90 day grace period to help operators experiencing problems such as delays in fitting the required technology. These must be logged before 1 March, warns TfL, or operators won’t be eligible for the grace period!
To take advantage of the grace period, submit evidence from the relevant fitter/garage on branded documentation, with details of their appointment and vehicle registration number, before 1 March, via email to TfL.
Find out more at the Transport for London (TfL) website
Written and published by CE Transport Law. Keep up to date with the latest transport news with the CE Transport Law blog
Photo credit: Stephen Lu on Unsplash
Find out more about Truckfile’s fleet and workshop management software
