DVS Application Delays and Future Plans

December 13, 2020

By: Taz Imbayago

Shot of unbranded HGV

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has been developed in consultation with an expert panel of researchers, academics and representatives from the freight industry, Europe’s foremost HGV manufacturers and regulatory bodies. TfL is also working with other European cities and the European Union to push for long-term improvements by mandating direct vision in EU vehicle design and safety regulations. Germany has a similar system but it is only recommended and not mandatory – however, it applies to vehicles over just 3.5 tonnes.

TfL have already delayed the enforcement of the DVS standard, which now applies to all HGV vehicles over 12 tonnes in London (as of 26th October 2020) but enforcement will not start until 1st March 2021.

Fleet operators need to be aware that although TfL state that you should allow 28 days to process an application, it is currently taking up to 40 days. At a recent seminar on the 18th November 2020 – Fleet and Mobility Live – TfL had only processed 40,000 applications. It is expected that more than 200,000 applications will be made and therefore the time to process will inevitably take longer.

To be sure you get the permit application processed in time, you should aim to have your systems installed and working by the 20th January 2020. If you have not secured a permit by the 1st March 2021 and your vehicle enters Greater London, the fleet operator will be fined £550 per incursion and the driver will be fined £130 – all enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

Many fleet operators have kept a keen eye on the progress of the scheme and have concluded that similar schemes are likely to be introduced in other UK towns and cities in the coming months and years. It is thought Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Newcastle are watching the success of the scheme and could follow suit.

Unlike other schemes such as the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which have different standards across the country and present problems for the Transport Manager when planning freight movements, TfL have been consulting with other local councils throughout.

The result is what could become the defacto standard and be applied across all towns and cities – with some cities even creating a network of ANPR cameras in advance of implementing the possible DVS requirement.

Find out more about DVS by downloading our free information pack or contact our team to speak to one of our in-house specialists by calling us or filling out the form below. sales@rsconnect.com or 01675 624 035

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