Applications now open for HGV safety permits

Transport for London (TfL) has opened applications for safety permits for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) rated as zero, one or two stars that are required to fit the Progressive Safe System (PSS).

HGVs more than 12 tonnes will be required to have a minimum three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating or fit enhanced safety features, the PSS, in order to operate in Greater London from October 28 this year.

TfL is encouraging operators of zero, one and two star-rated vehicles to apply for their new HGV safety permits now to make sure their vehicles are compliant with the new standard. There is no charge for a permit.

Drivers may receive a penalty charge (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days) if operating an HGV more than 12 tonnes in Greater London without a valid HGV safety permit

Christina Calderato, TfL's director of transport strategy and policy, said: “With four months to go until we enhance the DVS HGV Permit Scheme, we are now encouraging operators to prepare their fleets so that we can take this important next step in making our streets safer for everyone.

“It’s vital that all vehicles using London’s roads have safety at the forefront of their design and we will continue to take every possible measure to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from our roads, and enhancing the safe systems for HGVs will help us do so.”

TfL has published detailed standards for how the PSS should be installed to help operators and fitters understand the new requirements, and to help begin the process of fitting the PSS to HGVs. This includes technical specifications for the two sensor components that need to be fitted (blind spot and moving off information systems).

The guidance also clarifies what information operators will need to provide to TfL when applying for a safety permit, to demonstrate compliance with the PSS. 

In order to give the freight industry sufficient time to buy, fit and test any new safety equipment, there will be a three-month grace period from October 28, 2024, until January 31, 2025, for operators to comply with the new PSS. Details on how to apply for the grace period are available on the TfL website.

TfL says that it will review the DVS and HGV safety permit scheme again in 2028 with any further changes, if deemed necessary, introduced from October 2030.