More than 8,000 HGV Safety Permits have been issued as part of the Direct Vision Standard so far, according to Transport for London (TfL).
However, despite the encouraging start, TfL estimates that around 250,000 HGVs that enter London each year will need to apply for the free permit before enforcement begins on October 26.
The first of its kind, the Direct Vision Standard tackles road danger at its source by minimising HGV blind spots which contribute to many tragic deaths and life-changing injuries. Based on how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows, the unique star system rates HGVs over 12 tonnes from zero (lowest) to five (highest). HGVs will need to meet a minimum one-star rating by the time enforcement begins to enable them to operate in London or will need to fit Safe System measures to improve the vehicle’s safety.
Operators with vehicles rated zero star will need to allow extra time to apply for their permit as Safe System measures, including cameras and sensors, need to be installed and evidenced for a permit to be issued.
Failure to meet these new minimum safety standards and obtain a permit could result in a penalty charge of £550 a day for driving in the capital. The Direct Vision Standard will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be enforced within the Greater London Boundary.
Christina Calderato, Head of Transport Strategy and Planning at TfL said, ‘It’s promising to see that so many operators have applied for permits and made their vehicles safer since our Safety Permit scheme went live three months ago, but we would strongly advise all operators who haven’t yet applied to do so now.
“It’s vital that everyone plays their role in this life-saving scheme, and I’d like to remind operators that those who fail to meet our standards will not be permitted to drive in the capital.”
