Final chance to have your say on TfL's Direct Vision Standard and Safe System permits

TfL has launched the final consultation on its Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and associated Safe System permits.

The scheme, first announced by London mayor Sadiq Khan in September 2016, will rate lorries over 12 tonnes from zero to five stars according to the level of direct vision a driver has from the cab.

It has been developed over the past two years using feedback from industry, truck manufacturers and academic research.

Star ratings for Euro-6 lorries are now available directly from manufacturers, with a sample of Euro-5 and Euro-4 lorries also now rated in the same way with support from Loughborough University.

From 26 October 2020, lorries with a zero star rating will be banned from entering London unless they have obtained a Safe System permit.

The Safe System allows operators of zero-rated lorries to enter the capital by retrofitting approved safety equipment to boost their vision of vulnerable road users. It has been designed to continually evolve to keep pace with emerging technology.

From 26 October 2024, rules will tighten to only allow three-star rated trucks and above to enter London without a Safe System permit.

Through this final consultation, industry is urged to have its say on the final DVS proposals, with a particular emphasis on the permit process, including: applying for a permit, scheme requirements and the enforcement and appeals process.

Subject to final consultation, permits will be issued from October this year via TfL's website.

Read more:

• ‘Super-sewer’ firm Tideway champions direct vision, low-entry HGV cabs
• Details of Direct Vision Standard’s Safety Permit scheme published
• TfL confirms strong compliance with London Safer Lorry Scheme

EC recognition

TfL added that the European Commission has "followed London’s lead" by including direct vision in the revised General Safety Regulation, which it said is a major step towards safer HGVs across Europe.

Christina Calderato, head of delivery planning at TfL, said: “London is leading the way with truck safety and we invite views on our final proposals. Our Direct Vision Standard will fundamentally improve the safety of HGVs in London.

"We hope that the European Commission’s backing will help us make HGVs safer across the continent.”

Industry reaction

Natalie Chapman, FTA head of urban policy, said: “FTA has been working closely with TfL throughout the development of DVS and it is good to see that many of our practical concerns about the scheme have been taken on board.

"However, the future of road safety will be delivered through technological development and new vehicle design standards which FTA believes will be best set at an international level.”

Nigel Jackson, chief executive at the Mineral Products Association (MPA), said: “We believe action taken by MPA members and colleagues in the construction industry to improve HGV safety has, and is, helping to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

“TfL’s planned DVS expands this voluntary action into a scheme, which will improve the safety of all HGVs operating in London, and we will be contributing constructively to the consultation process to help support the successful implementation of the Direct Vision Standard in 2020."