HGV operators encouraged to apply for Direct Vision Permits now

Applications for London HGV Safety Permits are now being accepted and operators are being encouraged to start the process as soon as possible.

Businesses that operate within the M25 will need a permit to continue using their vehicles in the capital once the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) launches next year.

Direct vision standards will set out the area surrounding a truck cab the driver must be able to see without using mirrors or cameras, thus improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Transport for London (TfL) has developed a five-star rating system to determine the amount of direct vision of the environment around it an HGV provides. Those vehicles which only meet the one-star rating will be automatically eligible for a permit, and therefore will be allowed to access into London, while those which are zero-star rated will need to prove that they meet the requirements of the new “safe system” to obtain a permit.

Christopher Snelling, head of UK Policy at FTA, said: “FTA is advising businesses which work in the capital to apply for HGV Safety permits now to ensure they can continue operating their vehicles in London after the first phase of DVS launches in October 2020. All goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will need to have a permit to access the capital’s roads. Any vehicle which does not meet the scheme’s minimum one-star rating will need to fit the requirements of the new Safe System to obtain a permit - do not leave it until the last minute to apply.”

While the FTA fully supports the Mayor of London’s ‘Vision Zero’ approach to improving road safety, it does not believe DVS is the most effective approach, labelling it a “limited and expensive intervention”.

Snelling added: “FTA has, however, been working closely with Transport for London during the scheme’s development and is pleased to see that many of our suggestions have been taken on board. For example, those operating larger fleets will no longer be required to provide as much detail as first thought; logistics is already one of the most heavily legislated sectors of industry and more administrative burden would have been untenable.”

Businesses can apply for HGV Safety Permits by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-standard