New TfL 'allow list' will help operators avoid Direct Vision Standard penalty charges

TfL has created an 'allow list' of vehicles for operators who have applied for its Direct Vision Standard safety permits before 1 March or are in the process of having the Safe System equipment fitted in order to qualify for a permit but have not yet received it.

It has also streamlined the application process two months ahead of the deadline as it warned this week that thousands of HGV operators have yet to apply.

The allow list will prevent operators from incurring Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for up to 90-days from the enforcement date.

The system will require operators to provide details of their applications or planned safety component installation, where applicable.

The introduction of the Direct Vision Standard forms part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.

By 1 March HGVs will need to meet a minimum one-star rating to qualify for a safety permit to operate in London. Those falling below one star will need to be fitted with Safe System measures to qualify for a permit.

So far, more than 50,000 safety permits have been issued. However, TfL is warning there are thousands of HGVs on London's roads whose operators have not yet applied for a required free safety permit.

In a statement, TfL said it has speeded up the application process by implementing “internal systems improvements” and by training additional staff to assist with enquiries.

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Applications should now be processed within 10 days of receipt, TfL said, but warned that the process may take longer.

TfL's delivery partner Capita will also process single-vehicle applications within one working day of receipt.

Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s head of southern policy, welcomed the changes. She said: “Our members have rolling programmes of safe system retrofit for their existing fleet as well as orders in place for new compliant vehicles, but these schedules are currently being disrupted due to ongoing challenges with the Covid pandemic.

“The creation of an 'allow list' by the Mayor’s office and TfL is welcome news for businesses as they adopt new vehicles or change the specification of their fleets.

“In addition, it is encouraging to see they have noted the need for improvements in the permit system to speed up processing of applications.

“Logistics UK will be working closely with TfL to clarify how the “allow list” will work in practice and what fleet operators need to implement, as well as pressing for quicker turnaround times of permit applications."