New information for London HGV operators on TfL’s DVS ‘Grace Period’!
Following extensive lobbying by some transport groups and the many operators who lobbied directly, Transport for London (TfL), has granted a ‘Grace Period’ concession to give HGV operators more time to fit the required “safe systems” in order to comply with the Direct Visions Standard (DVS).
For those unaware, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in Greater London, or you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
This gives HGV operators who register with TfL before 1st March 2021 a “defined” 90 days to enable them to comply with the DVS requirements and are now experiencing delays in supply and fitting.
Grace period
To benefit from the grace period, an operator must submit evidence from the fitter / garage on branded documentation with details of your appointment and vehicle registration Number, before 1 March, to [email protected].
TfL will review the request and send written confirmation of the outcome. Once your Safe System equipment has been fitted, you must follow the DVS Permit Application process.
Further details can be accessed here
Registration is conditional on operators providing evidence of their applications or planned installation arrangements for safe system equipment to their vehicles.
For owners of vehicles over 12t gvw that operate in London, these vehicles MUST be registered at www.tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit before 1 March 2021
DVS star rating and Safe System
HGV operators need to apply for a permit for their vehicles. You will be granted a permit if the vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating.
If your vehicle does not meet the minimum DVS star rating, you will need to make your vehicle safer by fitting it with Safe System improvements.
What you need to know about DVS star ratings and Safe System improvements.
Enforcement and penalties
Once enforcement starts, if you drive an HGV within Greater London without a valid permit you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).
We can also revoke or suspend a permit if a vehicle that has been granted a permit is later found to be in breach of the permit terms.
Read the conditions of the HGV Safety Permit.
Please remember as an operator, you must take action before 1 March 2021. Operators informing TfL of a delay after this date will not be eligible for the grace period.
If you have any other questions, please contact us.
