TfL Direct Vision Standard permit application process branded a ‘farce’ by one leading operator

“We had four applications rejected, and when we queried the rejections, TfL admitted that this had been in error,” he said. “So we sent the applications in again, two went through, and two were refused, despite TfL’s admission that it had made a mistake.”

The two that were accepted both involved Volvos, and were supported by a statement from the manufacturer that the trucks concerned complied with the European Union’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2). The two that were turned down involved DAFs that were accompanied by an identical statement and the photographs that are required.

“The application for one of the DAFs has now been turned down seven times without any proper explanation,” said Cooling. “All we’ve received is a standard letter saying that it doesn’t meet the PSS Moving Off Information System or Blind Spot Information System requirements.”

Both are included in GSR2 and are PSS-compliant. Cooling cannot understand why GSR2 equipment installed in a Volvo is fine so far as TfL is concerned but not acceptable on a DAF, despite the fact that the two sets of equipment are the same.

“The DAFs and Volvos are all brand-new and 2024-registered,” he said.

To obtain a PSS permit other items of equipment need to be fitted that go beyond GSR2 strictures, including stickers which allow vulnerable road users (VRUs) to identify the truck’s blind spots and an alarm which warns VRUs when a truck is turning left. Everything needed had been fitted to the vehicles concerned in line with TfL’s instructions, Cooling confirmed.

Brentford-based Day Aggregates has had 20 further applications for PSS permits for its trucks bounce straight back. It has resubmitted then without making any changes, and they have all gone through.

“To say the application process is randomly shambolic would sum things up,” Cooling said. “I think the administration function at TfL is in free-fall.”

He admitted however that the other 145 or so permit applications he has sent in have been accepted.

The PSS comes into force from 28 October though there is likely to be a three-month grace period before it is enforced. Trucks above 12 tonnes GVW with a DVS rating below three stars have to be equipped with a package of additional safety devices and their operators have to apply for a new permit.

Days Aggregates operates 200 tippers, almost all DAFs, Volvos or Scanias, and 150 of them are in London most days, said Cooling. “We’ve already spent at least £500,000 on retrofitting PSS kit,” he said.

The problems besetting Day Aggregates are not unique, but their extent should not be exaggerated according to Logistics UK.

“We’ve heard of other businesses that have experienced similar difficulties, but the number is very small,” said a spokesperson. “TfL seems to be having teething troubles with the system it is using to handle applications, and we’ve seen similar things in the past.”

DAF UK marketing manager Phil Moon said: “We’re dealing with 10 instances where our customers have had applications refused, and TfL has held its hands up to the errors it has made. We suspect that what may have happened is that TfL has recruited a lot of new staff to handle the expected surge in inquiries, and they are not as familiar with the applications process as they need to be.”

TfL said in a statement: “Since the Direct Vision Standard first opened for applications in 2019 we have worked hard to ensure that everyone who applies for a permit receives one in good time. While we believe the process has been working well for most applicants, we’re sorry if operators have experienced issues applying for permits, and we’re determined to work with them to ensure they are resolved.

“There is a dedicated HGV Safety Permit enquiry page on our website if operators need to get in touch about their permit application.”