TfL likely to push back new truck rules by six months

A proposal is being put forward to extend the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) grace period to six months from October 28.

DVS, introduced in 2019 with enforcement starting in March 2021, seeks to improve drivers’ vision through the cab windows of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) above 12 tonnes to prevent collisions caused by limited visibility. 

All HGVs entering Greater London will be required to meet a three-star safety rating from October 28.

Lorries that fall short of the new standard will need to install new advanced warning systems referred to as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to obtain a permit from Transport for London (TfL).

Councillors are meeting on Thursday (July 18) at the London Councils’ transport and environment committee’s AGM, where a decision is expected on whether to give fleets more time to adapt their vehicles.

The committee will consider whether to grant no extension, which road safety campaigners have argued for, to grant a 12-month extension, which the industry has called for, or to accept the six-month delay that TfL has proposed, with the new rules being implemented from May 4, 2025.

Many businesses are concerned about the availability and reliability of equipment to update vehicles, while others are concerned about the timeframe available to install new equipment.

Committee papers suggest that, while it is sure that the concerns of the freight industry are “sincerely held” and reflect the stated views of its members, closer examination of these concerns and TfL’s response to them do not suggest that a 12-month extension is needed.

However, it acknowledged that not extending the grace period has the potential to pose issues to both the industry and to TfL.

Therefore, it says that TfL’s proposal to extend the grace period until May 4, “strikes a balance between moving at pace to improve HGV safety and protect vulnerable road users and giving the industry a challenging, definitive, but achievable deadline to meet”.

Guidance to help commercial fleets operating HGVs in London understand the new safety equipment technical specifications was published last month (June).