TfL has announced this week it will fast track hauliers’ bulk applications for Direct Vision Standard grace period permits - but only for those applying for more than 100 trucks, leaving smaller hauliers facing a much lengthier process, which they warn is creating a major bottleneck.

Whilst the move to speed up bulk applications is welcomed in some quarters of the industry, those hauliers requiring grace period permits for 99 trucks or less said this week the move does not go far enough, leaving them to make single applications for each truck, which they warn is creating major delays in the application process.

One transport manager from a major fleet operator told MT: “The process is inconsistent, shambolic and chaotic. You submit one vehicle, and if it goes through, okay, then you submit the same application and it gets rejected. It’s as if the people approving the applications have no technical understanding. They’re probably reading from a script, in my view.  We have been working on this since June, so the administrative burden is crazy.

“They change the goalposts all the time and they fail to register the information we have already sent them. I am sure the various departments are not communicating with one another and we do not have anyone we can contact - it is all so faceless.”

He added: “Now we are preparing to put in bulk applications but if you have 90 or 95 trucks or less, where does that leave you?

“And since you cannot apply until 1 October that does not leave very much time before the deadline on 28 October. That is quite a short window.”

Other hauliers complained of inconsistencies in the application process for both DVS permits and grace period permits, reporting that some applications are being rejected despite being identical to other applications that have been granted.

Brigade Electronics UK has been working closely with hauliers upgrading their fleets to meet the new DVS criteria.

Emily Hardy, UK marketing manager told MT: “We are seeing a lot of Progressive Safe System permits being declined for a range or reasons.

“The most frustrating thing is that sometimes an application is made with the same vehicle type, same product fitted and the same evidence, and some permits will pass and others will be rejected.

“We appreciate there will always be teething problems and we are trying to navigate our customers through this process but we would like to see more training from TfL on permit applications, perhaps a webinar.

“We welcome the changes to bulk uploads for 100 vehicles plus, but we would like to see that included for vehicles of 50 or more.

”We are also seeing some DVS grace period single applications rejected because operators have not provided proof of fitment or that they have provided evidence that they have ordered equipment that will not be available prior to the deadline. We would urge operators therefore to start booking fitment and pre-order equipment as soon as possible. We saw a huge surge in DVS sales this month and anticipate that trajectory of demand to continue into next year.”

RHA also raised concerns this week at the pace of applications.

Chris Ashley, RHA head of policy for environment and vehicles, said: “With time now ticking before the 28 October deadline, it is vital that TfL process DVS applications quickly and efficiently, with inconsistencies ironed out over whether an application is accepted. We want the process to be as smooth as possible for our members and we’ll continue to seek clarity on their behalf when it’s required.

“We have also had concerns that large fleets were not able to process the volume of vehicles requiring the grace period in time.”

He welcomed the introduuction of bulk applications for the DVS grace period but added that RHA “would prefer it is extended to fleets with 50 or more vehicles.”

He also urged firms operating in London to ensure that they are PSS compliant.

Announcing the introduction of bulk grace period applications this week, TfL said: “This process is available to operators making grace period applications for more than 100 vehicles,” warning that applications for fewer vehicles will be rejected. It said hauliers applying for 100 or fewer vehicles should do so using the existing single vehicle route.”

Bulk applications can be made between 1 October 2024 and  23:59 on 27 October 2024.

TfL added: “We encourage operators to apply as early as possible in this window so that any unforeseen issues with their application can be resolved. Applications submitted before 1 October 2024 will be rejected.”

It also warns that that grace periods will be granted or rejected for the application as a whole, not on an individual vehicle basis, adding that for that reason it is crucial all necessary evidence is provided.

Asked how many applications for DVS and grace period applications have been rejected, and whether TfL is experiencing a bottleneck in applications, a TfL spokesperson said: “It’s vital that all vehicles using London’s roads have safety at the forefront of their design and our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to significantly improve lorry safety. 

“Since the scheme’s introduction, fatal collisions between an HGV and those who walk, cycle or motorcycle where vision is a factor have reduced by 49 per cent compared to the 2017-2019 average.

“Since DVS first opened for applications in 2019, we have worked hard to ensure that everyone who applies for a permit receives one in good time.

“Applications for HGV Safety Permits with Progressive Safe System (PSS) conditions opened on 24 June and we encourage all operators of zero, one and two star vehicles to take action now.

“Operators can apply to receive the grace period for specific vehicles if they think they will need more time to install the new safety measures required as part of the PSS. This must be done before 28 October 2024.”

Changes to the Direct Vision Standard, which kick in on 28 October this year, require HGVs over 12 tonnes to have a minimum three-star DVS rating to enter Greater London from the end of October.

Vehicles ranked at two stars or below must 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.

After concerted lobbying from the haulage industry TfL recently agreed to give the sector more time to prepare for the new, more stringent requirements by extending the original three month grace period to six months.

The grace period now runs from 28 October until 4 May, in order to give the freight industry sufficient time to buy, fit and test any new safety equipment for operators to comply with the new PSS.

 

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