Transport for London (TfL) has announced that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) weighing over 12 tonnes will need to meet a three-star rating or be equipped with a range of safety systems in order to operate in Greater London starting from October 2024.
The decision, made by the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee on Monday, June 12, marks a significant change to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) safety permit scheme in the capital.
Effective from October 28, 2024, HGVs exceeding 12 tonnes will be required to possess a minimum three-star DVS rating or install the Progressive Safe System (PSS), an updated set of safety features, to ensure compliance within Greater London.
To allow operators time to meet the new requirements, there will be a three-month grace period from the start date. The implementation will be periodically assessed, and the London Councils committee has stated that it will evaluate the need for any further extensions in June 2024.
It is worth noting that the vast majority of HGVs in London, over 94%, currently operate with a safety permit, indicating a high level of compliance. Hauliers have also expressed their commitment to integrating DVS requirements into their future purchasing decisions.
The existing system of additional safety measures was initially developed and subjected to consultation in 2018. TfL has since reviewed and updated the system to incorporate the latest equipment and technologies available in the market. This updated system is now known as the Progressive Safe System.
A TfL representative stated, “We are determined to enhance road safety for everyone and remain dedicated to achieving Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate death and serious injury from the transportation network. Ensuring that all vehicles on London’s roads prioritize safety is crucial, and our groundbreaking Direct Vision Standard has significantly improved lorry safety. It has contributed to a 75% reduction in fatal collisions where impaired vision was a contributing factor between 2018 and 2023. We will continue to take all necessary measures to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and enhancing the safe systems for HGVs will assist us in achieving this goal.”
