23.10.2024 | Haulage

With only five days until enforcement of the next phase of the Mayor of London’s Direct Vision Standard begins, two groups that represent the majority of road vehicle operators who will be affected—Logistics UK and the RHA (Road Haulage Association)—have issued an urgent reminder to businesses to check whether their vehicles require a permit to continue operating in the capital.

From 28 October, those operating HGVs over 12 tonnes in London must demonstrate that their vehicles have a three-star safety rating, as specified by Transport for London, or fit the Progressive Safe System (PSS). Failure to meet either criteria will mean businesses risk receiving a £550 penalty charge notice and cannot continue operating in the capital.

If installation works for the PSS cannot be undertaken until after enforcement begins, operators can apply for more time to allow work to be booked. However, this must be scheduled before the enforcement period starts on 28  October 2024. No applications will be considered after 23.59 on 27 October. Complete information about the scheme, including details of the technical specifications of the new standards, can be found on the dedicated TfL website. This page also contains contact information so operators can speak directly with the DVS enforcement team. To apply for the DVS grace period (after 28  October 2024 and before 4 May 2025), in cases where work is due to take place after enforcement begins, please use the DVS enquiry form.

“With 216,000 vehicles in the scope of the new DVS phase two regulations, operators need to ensure their vehicles are compliant ahead of the 28 October deadline,” the organisations said. “TFL has been clear from the outset that there will be leeway on the deadline for implementation, so it is up to operators to ensure they have installation works scheduled and, if necessary, have applied for the grace period in plenty of time to ensure the sector can continue to deliver for London, its businesses and its consumers.”