Direct Vision Standard, The HGV Safety Permit – 1 Month to go
Enforcement will be introduced from 1 March 2021 for the Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit
The DVS and safety permit for HGVs requires operators of Trucks over 12T GVW to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in London, or you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice. The PCN is up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days).
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DVS was previously postponed to give affected businesses more time to meet the new standards as they faced intense demands from the coronavirus pandemic.
WHAT YOU MUST DO
Make sure your vehicle has minimum of:
(this is the guidance 0 rated vehicles) to create a ‘Safe System’.
1. Class V mirror shall be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
2. Class VI mirror shall be fitted to the front of the vehicle.
3. Side under-run protection shall be fitted to both sides of the vehicle (except where this is impractical or proves to be impossible)
4. External pictorial stickers and markings shall be displayed on vehicles to warn vulnerable
road users of the hazards around the vehicle.
5. A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user shall be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
6. Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning shall be fitted to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left.
7. A fully operational camera monitoring system shall be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
Once your vehicles have the ‘Safe System’ you need to register them with Transport for London to enable them to provide you the permit.
You will need to take photographic evidence of the system in 2 pictures.
The quality of your photos
Your photos must be:
JPG or PNG files, no more than 10MB each
Clear and in focus
Colour (not black and white)
An accurate picture of the vehicle
What your photos must show
Your photos must:
Clearly show the front and nearside (passenger side) of the HGV
Clearly show the rear and nearside (passenger side) of the HGV
Ensure the number plate (Vehicle Registration Mark) can be clearly read in both photos at the front and rear of the vehicle.
Provide evidence that the following safety features have been fitted to the vehicle:
Class V mirror (Photo 1: front and nearside)
Class VI mirror (Photo 1: front and nearside)
Side under-run protection (Photo 1 and 2)
Warning signage (Photo 2: rear and nearside)
If your vehicle is partially exempt and not required to have specific safety features fitted, the photo should support the reason for exemption.
If your vehicle is a tractor unit, it is not necessary for a trailer to be fitted to the vehicle for the purpose of photographic evidence. Where a trailer is present, the rear photo must show the rear nearside of the trailer with the vehicle in situ, in-line with the above requirements.
Submit the photos along with vehicle details to TfL https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/ you can complete a spreadsheet for an application for multiple vehicles. TfL will select some vehicles for you to evidence with photographs.
2021 and beyond
Manage your permit
The HGV Safety Permit is an electronic permit only. You will not receive a certificate/paper copy of the permit. There is no requirement to display proof of your permit in your vehicle.
Selling your vehicle: change in ownership
The owner must tell TfL if the vehicle has been sold and there is a change in ownership. Permits cannot be transferred between operators and the new owner will need to apply for a new permit.
The new owner can apply for a permit as soon as they’ve purchased the vehicle and know the vehicle’s number plate (Vehicle Registration Mark), make and model.
Withdraw a permit
You may contact us if an HGV Safety Permit is no longer needed for your vehicle. We will respond with a written confirmation.
Change of number plate
You must tell us if you would like to use the number plate on a different vehicle. You will need to apply for a new permit and ensure it meets the permit requirements.
From October 2024, HGVs rated below three stars will need to feature the Progressive Safe System.
Progressive Safe System
The Safe System will be reviewed and consulted on in 2022 and will take into account any additional technology or safety equipment not currently available.
Any new equipment or technology proposed for the Progressive Safe System must be retrofittable to HGVs, industry recognised and readily available on the market at the time.
Flagship Partners will update you on this in due course. If you would like help with your Direct Vision Standard, understanding the rules, applying for the permit. Get in touch today, Hello@www.flagshippartners.co.uk 03300 553643.
