Potential Delay in New HGV Rules by TFL

A proposal has been made to extend the grace period for the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) by six months, with the new deadline potentially moving from October 28 to May 4, 2025.

The DVS, introduced in 2019 and enforced starting in March 2021, was designed to improve drivers’ visibility through the cab windows of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) exceeding 12 tonnes. This measure aims to reduce accidents caused by limited visibility. From October 28, all HGVs entering Greater London will be required to meet a three-star safety rating.

Lorries that do not meet this new standard will be required to install advanced warning systems, known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS), to obtain a permit from Transport for London (TfL).

A decision on whether to extend this grace period is expected to be made during a meeting on Thursday (July 18) by the London Councils’ transport and environment committee at its AGM. The committee will weigh the options of not granting an extension, which has been supported by road safety advocates, offering a 12-month extension as requested by the industry, or accepting the six-month delay proposed by TfL, with the new rules taking effect from May 4, 2025.

Concerns have been raised by many businesses about the availability and reliability of the necessary equipment to update their vehicles. Others have expressed concerns about the time available to install the new equipment.

Committee documents suggest that while the freight industry’s concerns are acknowledged as genuine and reflective of its members’ views, a closer examination does not indicate that a 12-month extension is necessary. However, it is also recognized that not extending the grace period could create challenges for both the industry and TfL.

Therefore, the proposal to extend the grace period until May 4 is seen as a compromise, balancing the need to improve HGV safety and protect vulnerable road users while giving the industry a clear but achievable deadline.

Guidance to assist commercial fleets operating HGVs in London in understanding the new safety equipment specifications was published last month (June).