Direct Vision Standard Delayed

The ongoing Coronavirus crisis has pushed the introduction of the Direct Vision Standard until next year.

The realisation of the demands on companies in the current climate to reach the standards of compliance have forced the TfL to amend their plans

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:
“Coronavirus has disrupted supply chains and placed additional demands on the freight industry, making it more difficult for new standards to be met on time”.
“To help ease pressure on the sector I’ve asked TfL (Transport for London) to delay the enforcement of the new stricter rules. Initially for four months, to allow the freight industry to focus on its core operations during the pandemic.”

The scheme will still legally come into force on the 26th of October but no charges will be payable or enforced for non-compliance until the end of February 2021.

What is the Direct Vision Standard?

The Direct Vision Standard is a measure of how much HGV drivers can see from their cab directly (without the use of mirrors or video cameras).
Transport for London will require all HGVs over 12 tonnes entering London to have at least a one-star rating
To meet the one-star standard, a driver will need to be able to see someone’s head and shoulders from within an acceptable distance. For the one-star rating, that corresponds to 4.5m at the side and 2m in front.
From 2024 they will need at least a three-star rating.
The scheme will be enforced 24/7 and permits will be issued free of charge.

Penalties

Fines of £550 will be issued to any vehicle entering London without a permit, with drivers fined £130.

TfL’s head of delivery planning, Christina Calderato, said:
“The disproportionately high number of HGVs involved in fatal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists is a tragedy. This is why we’ve worked closely with the freight and logistics industry and vulnerable road user groups to develop the Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Standard Permit Scheme. Together we hope that these new safety measures will help to save many lives in the future.”
“We’re committed to bringing these changes in as soon as practically possible while supporting the freight industry and recognising that the coronavirus pandemic has placed intense new demands on people and organisations across the capital.”
“We’ll continue to work closely with the freight industry and propose to begin enforcement of the new rules four months later than planned, at the end of February 2021.”