Operators are being warned to prepare for changes to London’s direct vision standard (DVS) later this year, or face fines with no upper limit.
From the end of October, HGVs over 12 tonnes will be required to have a minimum three-star DVS rating to enter Greater London.
Vehicles ranked at two stars or below will be required to fit additional safety measures known as the progressive safe system (PSS), with non-compliance leading to a potential penalty charge of up to £550 per operator and £150 for the driver, per vehicle per day.
Parts supplier Digraph said that with the deadline looming, some operators might feel that compliance with the PSS has crept up on them.
But unless they make the necessary changes to their fleet then they face uncapped fines and the loss of business.
David Dimbleby, commercial director at Digraph, said: “With the new rules announced back in June 2023, HGV operators could be forgiven if the deadline for PSS compliance has snuck up on them.
“But those that fail to make the necessary changes in time face fines with no upper limit on the maximum charge.
“At the same time, operators that leave it too late risk losing business to competitors through unnecessary time spent off the road.
“That’s why we recommend that HGV operators stagger upgrades incrementally across their fleet to minimise downtime, so that come October 28th they will be able to maintain an uninterrupted, compliant service to customers.”
Motor Transport and Brigade Electronics are hosting a free, half-day DVS roadshow in Twickenham on 19 June, to help operators comply with the forthcoming requirements.
Lunch is provided afterwards and you can register for a place here.
