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The introduction of TfL’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) scheme is a world first, with the laudable aim of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on the London transport network by 2041.

As with all such schemes, implementation is complex, and it’s important that fleet operators understand regulations that have been set, and what action they might need to take if they have not already done so.
The DVS scheme reduces potentially lethal blind spots via a free permit system which assigns a star rating based on how much a driver can see through their cab window. Anyone operating HGVs over 12 tonnes now needs a valid permit to operate in London. Any HGV rated one to five stars automatically qualifies for a permit, while those zero rated are required to improve their safety systems.

An “Allow List” introduced by TfL following installation and application delays meant fleet operators could buy some time - provided operators applied before March 1, 2021. Operators who arranged for the installation of systems before that date and have now been provided with confirmation from TfL that they have been included on the “Allow List”, will have 90 days to get the system installed, which takes us to May 29. 

TfL have also recently said that a total 90,000 permit applications have been made so far, of which a third were zero star rated. What is surprising is that ANPR data from TfL shows that on average 150,000 vehicles over 12 tonnes enter the London area per year. Assuming the same level of traffic, that would mean that 60,000 vehicles have not applied for permits if they are entering the Greater London Area. 

One reason for the reduction in applications could be that some fleet operators are looking to replace their vehicles later in the year. But it is important to remember that a new permit needs to be applied for before entering the Greater London Area. If the new vehicle is zero star rated, it is essential that the fleet operator arranges for the Safe System to be fitted to the vehicle, before applying for a permit. Even though you may think that a new replacement vehicle would have a star rating better than zero, that is not always the case. At RS Connect, working with operators who are looking to make their fleets DVS compliant, we have seen a number of new vehicles with zero star ratings, which means they would need to have a Safe System fitted. 

DVS has received backing from a range of organisations within the transport sector, and you can read their comments here: 

[https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/tfl-press-release-road-deaths-to-be-cut-as-tfls-pioneering-direct-vision-standard-comes-into-force](https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/tfl-press-release-road-deaths-to-be-cut-as-tfls-pioneering-direct-vision-standard-comes-into-force "DVS has received backing from a range of organisations within the transport sector, and you can read their comments here")


Row of truck cabs

Update following the introduction by TfL of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) within the Greater London Area

Some important reminders about the Direct Vision Standard scheme

Call us on 01675 624 035 or use the form below. If you are an existing customer looking for information about a specific vehicle booking please include your Vehicle Registration, Policy Number or Order Reference in your message.

Breaking News --- TfL have today issued some clarification around the “Allow List” and grace period, and how that will operate:

<i>Grace period:

We are also introducing a 90-day grace period to support operators who have ordered Safe System components ahead of the 1 March enforcement start date and are now experiencing delays in supply and fitting.

To benefit from the grace period, please submit evidence from the fitter/garage on branded documentation with details of your appointment and Vehicle Registration Number, before 1 March, to DVSGracePeriod@TfL.gov.uk.

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.

You must take action before 1 March 2021. Operators informing us of a delay after this date will not be eligible for the grace period.”</i>
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In light of this, if you have already booked your installation with RS Connect please speak to your account manager and they will be able to assist with branded documentation.

To learn more about DVS and get an overview of the regulations please head to our main [DVS pages](http://rsconnect.com/dvs "Direct Vision Standard - overview").

If you’ve not yet booked your installations, please don’t delay and get in touch with us now using the form below, or call our team on 01675 624 035.

DVS - row of trucks

TfL have today issued some clarification around the “Allow List” and grace period, and how that will operate

TfL announce 'Grace Period' for DVS fines

Following lobbying by HGV operators and installation companies such as RS Connect, TfL have decided to offer a concession to those operators by creating an “Allow List” to buy some time following installation and application delays. But what does that mean, and what are these delays?

At RS connect we were seeing multiple supply chain problems along with restrictions on installation capability. Some operators were experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks meaning our engineers were unable to visit the sites. Also as with most companies, some of our own engineers were testing positive leading to a reduction in our usual nationwide coverage.

With the recently announced update, TfL are still sticking to the same implementation date of the 1st March 2021 for DVS fines. However, they are softening the blow by advising HGV operators that the waiting times for permit approvals are getting shorter – these should now be approved within 10 days, rather than up to 40 as was reported in December. Furthermore, for single vehicle applications, TfL are using their delivery partner Capita who will process the application within just one working day of receipt.

With regards to the fines themselves, TfL have clearly listened to the concerns raised and are now informing the industry that there will be an “Allow List”. Whilst they are proceeding with the DVS enforcement on 1st March 2021, this list will give some breathing space to HGV operators whose owners/operators have begun the Safety Permit application process, or are in the process of having safe system components installed.

Operators who have applied before 1st March 2021 or those who are in the process of having the Safe System equipment fitted, can be added to this “allow list” of vehicles, which will prevent them from incurring Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for up to 90-days from the enforcement date. The new system will require operators to provide details of their applications or planned safety system component installation, where applicable.

Whilst we’re still awaiting the specifics of how this list will function – and what evidence operators will have to provide – this is most certainly a positive step.

So providing an operator notifies TfL of the installation date of the DVS system to be installed, they will be added to this list and will be covered for a maximum of 90 days after the 1st March 2021 deadline.

DVS camera installation

Following lobbying by HGV operators and installation companies such as RS Connect, TfL have decided to offer a concession to those operators by creating an “Allow List”

TfL's Direct Vision Standard 'Allow List' - what we know so far

Latest on the DVS from our team

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## *WHAT IS DVS?*

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for HGVs is part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.

The Direct Vision Standard will be implemented and enforced by TfL and measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling near the vehicle.Get the full details from our [experts here](http://www.rsconnect.com/news-articles/direct-vision-standard-dvs "DVS How it works").

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*__HOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DVS__*

If you have any questions about how the DVS system works, about the potential timelines or any questions about installations and vehicle tech, please contact our team now.

You can also download our full guide to the DVS here, that features more detail on the specifics of the regulations, their enforcement and mitigating technologies.

__sales@rsconnect.com or 01675 624 035__

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