TfL and DVS proposal could roll out safety permits for HGVs

TfL and the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) have announced a proposal that could see HGVs over 12 tonnes require a permit to enter or operate in Greater London.

Created to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, the DVS uses a star system to rate HGVs over 12 tonnes from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest), based on how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows.

If the DVS proposal is approved, the Permit scheme will operate 24/7 year round, with permits available from October this year. When applying for a safety permit, vehicle operators will be asked to outline their policy and plan to train all their drivers

The proposed permit requirements are as follows: From 26 October 2020, all HGVs rated 0-stars will be banned unless they can prove a Safe system, and from 26 October 2024, all 0-2-star HGVs will be banned unless they can prove a progressive Safe System.

The Safe System is a series of vehicle safety measures designed to reduce the risks HGVs present to cyclists and pedestrians. Safety measures proposed include: blind spot elimination and minimisation, warning of intended manoeuvre, and minimising the physical impact of a hazard.

The Safe System will be reviewed and consulted on ahead of 2024, and will take into account any additional technology or safety equipment not available in 2020.

DVS star ratings for Euro IV, V and VI are now available from vehicle manufacturers, who can be contacted to request a DVS star rating for your vehicle, or to enquire about the rating of a new vehicle. Those applying will be asked to provide the chassis number for any existing vehicle.

Manufacturers will calculate the star rating of the vehicle, tell the owner and then send a copy to TfL.

Feedback from the third DVS public consultation in early 2019 will feed into a review of the HGV Safety Permit guidance document, found here.

CI.N first reported on the Mayor’s plans to ban dangerous vehicles from the city more than two years ago, when the DVS’ star system was first introduced.

Questions can be directed to [email protected].