The RHA is calling on operators to take part in a newly launched survey which seeks to assess how ready they are for the introduction of stricter Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements, due to come into force in London in October this year.

The survey, which is open to all HGV operators servicing London, follows the RHA’s recent call for Transport for London (TfL) to provide hauliers with a longer grace period to prepare for the new requirements, known as the DVS Progressive Safe System (PSS).

It builds on the Joint Industry Survey in January 2024 and aims to provide an updated picture on the sector’s ability to implement the new PSS requirements. 

Commenting on the launch of the survey, RHA MD Richard Smith said: “New rules for HGVs of over 12 tonne gross weight operating in London are coming in October and there’s still widespread concern within the industry about timescales and doubts remain about the availability and affordability of compliant kit and the challenges firms are facing to fit it.

“We’d like to thank everyone for responding to the previous industry DVS survey and for providing feedback to us. In our meetings with TfL and decision-makers in London, we have continued to make the case for a longer grace period and have continued to ask for further clarifications.

“Following the feedback we received, the RHA has secured clarifications to the PSS technical specifications. We’ve also secured some clarity in the form of an explainer document which will be released very soon.

”However, to get the further clarifications operators have asked for, we need some more information in order to paint the clearest and most up-to-date picture we can of the sector’s readiness for the changes. What are the current issues you are facing? How are you preparing for DVS?”

Operators can access the survey via this link. The survey deadline is 6pm on Friday 28 June 2024.

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