TfL has announced that the enforcement of the DVS 2020 regulations will be introduced from 1st March 2021 at the earliest. TfL recognises that the industry is way behind in the rollout of the safety measures required and they have stated that in the light of the Covid Epidemic this will give the freight industry more time to meet the new standards.
You can now apply to be placed on the allow list;
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is a new vision safety standard for all vehicles over 12 tonnes. This includes mobile plant machinery, such as volumetric concrete mixers. It is based on a Vision Star rating supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle from 0-5 stars and indicates how much a driver can see directly from their HGV cab in relation to other road users. The DVS forms part of the Safety Permit for all HGVs over 12 tonnes entering London. This permit can be applied for now.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to be granted a permit to enter or operate in Greater London. The scheme was created by Transport for London (TFL) to improve the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be enforced on all roads within the Greater London Boundary. The scheme comes into force on 1st March 2021 (Pushed back due to COVID-19). The DVS uses a star system to rate the vision from HGVs from zero stars (lowest) to 5 stars (highest) based only on how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows.
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.
The map on the left shows where the DVS operates.
All vehicles over 12 tonnes and operating in Greater London will need a permit.
If your vehicle meets the minimum requirements for the Direct Vision Standard of one star, you will automatically be granted a permit. However, there are few vehicles that will meet this. If your vehicle does not meet the requisites, you can still be eligible for a permit by applying for the Safe System. The Safe System is a specification, similar to that of FORS silver and CLOCS, that requires devices for indirect vision (cameras, sensors and audible alarms) to be fitted to the vehicle to improve driver visibility.
Simply follow this link - Transport for London DVS VRM Checker
Devices that comply with the London lorry scheme include:
RAM Tracking work with manufacture approved partner that specialises in vehicle multi-camera and alert systems, we have a range of products to help operators meet the requirements of various specifications including the safety system for the Direct Vision Standard. Our team of experts work closely with road safety associations and charities to provide the best and most up to date advice. Interpreting various specifications and understanding technology can be a minefield for operators. For example, references to ‘shall’, ‘should’ and ‘may’ in the Direct Vision standard depict whether a requirement is mandatory, recommended or permitted and transport managers can be left confused.
RAM now have a dedicated team on hand to advise and guide your business through the DVS2020 compliance process. From initial enquiry to installation and permit application we will work with you to bring your vehicles up to Direct Vision Standard.
Once enforcement starts, if you drive an HGV within Greater London without a valid permit you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).
We can also revoke or suspend a permit if a vehicle that has been granted a permit is later found to be in breach of the permit terms.
The FTA have found that over 60% of all HGV’s over 12 tonnes will be BANNED from entering London without a permit. Use our FREE HGV Star Rating service to find out what safety equipment you need to install onto your HGV’s and apply for your permit.
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