Over 100,000 HGVs with no Direct Vision Standard permits
There remain more than 100,000 HGVs on London’s roads, whose operators have not yet applied for a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) permit, data from Transport for London (TfL) shows.
The data reveals that over 44,000 safety permits have been issued, where most permits fall into the one-star category (46%) and 24% fall into the zero-star category.
The remaining applications fall into the two-star category (11%), three-star category (11%), five-star category (6%) and less than 1% for the four-star category.
TfL says it has sent over 150,000 letters to the registered keepers of HGVs without Direct Vision Standard permits observed in Greater London advising of the DVS Scheme and urges operators to apply for permits ahead of the upcoming deadline – including allowing for 28 days for permit applications to be processed.
Direct Vision Standard area map
HGV safety guidence for operators entering London
From March 1, 2021, HGVs with a zero-star rating will be required to fit additional vehicle safety features to operate within London.
Vehicles with a one-star rating will allowed to enter London, however, by 2024, a minimum of three stars will be required.
Fleet operators can apply for a free Direct Vision Standard safety permit on the Transport for London (TfL) website: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/deliveries-in-london/delivering-safely/direct-vision-in-heavy-goods-vehicles
What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?
The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling, near the vehicle.
The Direct Vision Standard and HGV safety permit for HGVs is part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
HGV safety permit and requirements
All lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London will need to hold a valid HGV safety permit.
The HGV safety permit scheme covers Greater London and will be in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Applying is free of charge.
DVS star rating and Safe System
HGV operators need to apply for a permit for their vehicles. They will be granted a permit if the vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating.
If the vehicle does not meet the minimum DVS star rating, it will need to be made safer safer by fitting it with Safe System improvements.
Enforcement and penalties
Once enforcement starts, if an HGV is driven within Greater London without a valid permit the operator may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).