From 26th October 2020, all HGVs over 12 tonnes will be required to hold a Safety Permit called Direct Vision Standard (DVS) to operate or enter the Greater London area. Without it, you could be at risk of landing yourself a hefty fine of £550 per day!
The introduction of the Safety Permit is part of the DVS scheme which is in alignment with Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero goal to reduce road danger. By 2041, Vision Zero aims to eliminate all deaths and injuries from road accidents in London. To achieve this, London’s streets can expect stronger enforcement of safe speeds, safe behaviors, safe street design, and safe vehicles in the coming years.
To apply for the Permit, your HGV must meet the minimum DVS star rating. The star rating of zero (poor) to five (excellent) is assessed by measuring the driver’s direct view through the windows of the HGV cab.
HGVs rated ‘one-star’ and above will be able to operate in Greater London from 26th October 2020. In 2024, this is set to change with only ‘three-star’ and above rated HGVs being granted the DVS Safety Permit.
HGVs with a star rating below what is deemed satisfactory will only be allowed on the roads if they can prove compliance through additional Safe System measures. Safe System measures are fitted to your vehicle after it has been manufactured and will reduce risks for vulnerable road users.
Here’s a list of Safe System measures which you can purchase to make your HGV compliant:
- Mounted mirrors of class V and VI.
- External stickers warning unprotected road users about the presence of “blind spots”.
- A device that signals the sound of other road users when the vehicle intends to turn.
- A device that signals the driver about the presence of another road user in the “bling spot” around the vehicle.
- A fully functional camera aimed at the “blind spots” around the vehicle, including side protective devices.
You can purchase Safe System equipment through FORS or Freight Transport Association. If you are in doubt, come and talk to the experts here at Exe Insurance – we are knowledgeable on all sorts of Safe System equipment which can also help to lower your insurance premiums.
You can also check whether TfL already holds a star rating for your vehicle via this link. If a star rating has not been recorded, get in touch with your vehicle manufacturer with the VIN number of your HGV.
Once you have your DVS Safety Permit, you might not need to apply for another for up to ten years. How long your Permit stays valid will depend upon the assessment of the vehicle and how many stars it was assigned.
Vehicles which are exempt from this regulation include, but are not limited to, gritting vehicles, armed forces, and recovery/breakdown vehicles. For the more information on exemptions, click here.
At Exe Insurance, we like to keep up to date with all the latest news in the haulage industry so you don’t have to. For further advice on the DVS scheme, or on keeping your fleet compliant with new regulations, call us on 01392 797 733. We are a friendly bunch and would be more than happy to help!
