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In the first week of TfL’s pioneering Direct Vision Standard (DVS) scheme, warning letters were sent out to more than 6,000 fleet operators who did not have permits – the equivalent of over £3.3million in fines.
The scheme was introduced on March 1, and requires all HGV vehicles over 12 tonnes to have a permit to operate in the capital. DVS is a star-based system, stars being assigned based on how much a driver can see through their cab window. The aim of DVS is to wipe out deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network over the next 20 years.

Those implementing the scheme have had to react to a number of issues as it has rolled out. As well as the considerable logistic implications of bringing this in, there have been the added challenges associated with the global pandemic, not to mention Brexit. The introduction had already been delayed, and with TfL further recognising the pressures on fleet operators in terms of going through the application process, and the work that was needed to make vehicles compliant, they introduced an ‘Allowed List’. This gave fleet operators 90 days to have systems installed, which gave them a period of grace to May 29.

As of March 1, 90,000 permits have been issued, with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) data from previous years showing that around 150,000 vehicles would require permits.

It’s important that fleet operators meet their obligations if they are not to face similar fines, and for those operators on the ‘Allowed List’, May 29 is looming. For single vehicle applications the permit application process, subject to acceptable photos being submitted, is 24 hours. For fleet applications, this can take up to ten days.  There are still a significant number of lorries entering London that are not DVS compliant or on the “Grace Period” or “Allowed Lists”, so if you need to take action, now is the time to do so.

To apply for a permit, you will need to go to [https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/](https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/ "dvs-safety-permit-application")

dvs-photo-2-sample

A reminder of the DVS deadline date and statistics on fines in the first week. 

May DVS Deadline

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 <a href="tel:01675624035">01675 624 035</a> or use the form below. If you are an existing customer looking for information about a specific vehicle booking please include your Vehicle Reg, 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

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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