With Transport for London’s (TfL) Direct Vision Standard (DVS) coming into effect from March 1st 2021, fleets are urged to begin the application process now to avoid delays and contravention of the legislation.
The scheme is part of London’s Vision Zero action plan to eradicate road deaths and serious injuries from the capital’s streets. All HGVs over 12 tonnes will need a new HGV Safety Permit based on a driver’s field of vision directly through their windows and uses technical specifications devised by TfL. A star rating system will rank vehicles from zero to five stars, with one star being the minimum qualifying requirement. Vehicles that fail to qualify or operate without a licence from 1 March will be issued with a £550 Penalty Charge Notice (£275 if paid within 14 days) for every day driven within the zone.
Vehicles with a zero star rating will only be issued with a permit if fitted with ‘safe system’ measures, such as cameras, side sensors, warning signs and a turn left speaker.
Permits are free to obtain and the application process is open. To avoid confusion, DVS will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
