Less than a week before Direct Vision Standard rule change

Logistics UK and the RHA (Road Haulage Association) have issued an urgent reminder to businesses to check whether their vehicles require a permit in order to continue operating in London.

There is less than a week to go until enforcement of the next phase of the Mayor of London’s Direct Vision Standard begins from Monday, October 28.

Fleets operating HGVs over 12 tonnes in London will need to demonstrate their vehicles have a three-star safety rating, as specified by Transport for London (TfL), or fit the Progressive Safe System (PSS). 

Failure to meet either criteria will mean businesses risk receiving a £550 penalty charge notice and be unable to 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, but this must be scheduled before the enforcement period begins on Monday (October 28). 

No applications will be considered after 11.59pm on Sunday, October 27.  Full information about the scheme, including details of the technical specifications of the new standards, can be found on the dedicated TfL website. 

It also contains contact information for operators to speak directly with the DVS enforcement team. 

To apply for the DVS grace period (after October 28 and before May 4 2025) in cases where works are due to take place after enforcement begins use the DVS enquiry form. 

“With 216,000 vehicles in scope of the new DVS phase two regulations, operators need to ensure their vehicles are compliant ahead of the 28 October deadline,” said the two trade bodies.

“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.”