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Transport for London, Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit

From October 2020, all vehicles (other than exemptions) over 12 tonne will need a safety permit to operate in London.

TFL are introducing a Traffic Order that requires the operators of vehicles with gross weight over 12 tonnes to have a HGV Safety Permit to enter Greater London. To get a Safety Permit, the vehicle needs to have a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) star rating.

In addition, vehicles will need to be fitted with Safe system equipment as follows

- Class V and VI mirrors

- Sideguards

- Camera monitoring system

- Sensor system with driver alert

- Left-turn audible alarm

- Warning signage

London has the highest number of cyclist v. HGV accidents in the country, nearly twice the national average. In May, the Government announced a £2 billion package to help stimulate a ‘new era’ for cycling and walking. Staying alert whilst driving has never been so important. Human error is responsible for over 90% of all collisions on London's streets. Going too fast while driving, not looking properly and making risky manoeuvres without due care or attention, are the most common causes of collisions. TfL data highlights that over three quarters of collisions happen on or near junctions and crossings.

The Direct Vision Standard and HGV safety permit for HGVs is part of an Action Plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.

The Direct Vision Standard is important for road safety because it measures how much a HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows and relates to the risk of coming into conflict with vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and walkers.

Professional drivers and fleet operators should be familiar with the risks caused by ‘blind spots’ – the areas around a vehicle that a driver can’t see by looking through the windows or standard mirrors. Blind spots affect many vehicle types but are especially worrying on larger vehicles such as HGVs, buses and coaches. The result could be a driver not seeing a cyclist pedalling up the inside of the vehicle.

What happens if I don’t have the appropriate licence?

You may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days). However, it is understood that TfL will not enforce this until at least March 2021. The enforcement start date is expected to be confirmed by October 2020.

At Ascend, we look to provide risk management as well as insurance solutions. We can provide advice and technology solutions for TfL safety permits but also to provide management in all aspects of running a fleet of HGVs.

Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team.

Matt.price@ascendbrokingold.co.uk  |  Office: 01245 449062  |  Mobile: 07841 020712

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