How long will the permit last?

The duration of the HGV Safety Permit depends on whether the the vehicle meets the minimum DVS requirement or if it was granted subject to the Safe System:

• The permits of vehicles rated One or Two stars or those that have qualified on the Safe System will expire at the end of 25th October 2024. From October 2024, these vehicles will need to reapply for a 10 year permit under the progressive Safe System.
• The permits of vehicles Three, Four or Five stars will expire at the end of 25th October 2030 or ten years after the application date if granted later than 26th October 2020 (whichever is the later).

The progressive Safe System: Requirements will be reviewed in 2022 to take into account any new technology or safety equipment not currently available. If deemed important, these will need to be installed on all 0, 1 & 2 star rated vehicles before re-application.

Enforcement

The scheme will be implemented by a decriminalised Traffic Regulation Order, meaning a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can be issued. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will detect a vehicle which will be checked with TfL’s permit database. Operators/hauliers without a permit may be issued a PCN of £550 and £130 for the driver, even if the vehicle is five star rated every time the vehicle enters Greater London.

How to apply

The permit is free of charge and there is no requirement to display anything in the vehicle. To apply for a permit you need access to the TfL online application form.

	All HGVs need a star rating which can only be obtained by contacting the manufacturer. There is no published available. The rating (0-5) will be based on how the vehicle left the production line and will not take into account any aftermarket safety systems that have been fitted. To obtain star rating you will need the VIN number of the HGV. For a 0 star rating: Proceed to step 2 For a 1 or 2 star rating: proceed to step 3 although step 2 is recommended. For a 3, 4 or 5 star rating: proceed to step 3			If your vehicle is 0 star rated, you must comply with the Safe System which requires the fitting of extra devices for indirect vision. Proof of installation must be supplied to TfL when you apply for your permit. Operators with a 1-2 star rating may want to think about meeting requirements to future proof vehicles. It is also worth nothing that if the vehicle is required on certain sites, the FORS and CLOCS specification may be enforced.			HGVs that are 1-5 star rated will automatically be eligible for a permit but will still need to apply. For vehicles with a star rating of 1-2, your permit will be valid until 25th October 2024   For vehicles with a star rating of 3-5, your permit will be valid until 25th October 2030 or 10 years (which ever is the later)   Vehicles that have 0 star rating but have complied with the Safe System will be issued with a permit valid until 25th October 2024. Proof of installation must be supplied to TFL with the application.

How Do I Find Out What My DVS Star Rating Is?

Vehicle operators need to contact their vehicle manufacturer to find out what their DVS star rating is. There is currently no published list available. Operators will need the VIN number of the HGV to hand.

If the vehicle has zero stars the operator will need to apply for a Safe System to be eligible for the permit.

If you are unsure what your DVS star rating is or whether you comply, Brigade offer a free service to obtain that information for you.

Simply provide us with the following vehicle details; vehicle manufacturer, vehicle type, registration and chassis number and let Brigade take care of the rest.

How Brigade Can Help

Brigade Electronics has a range of products to help operators meet the requirements of various specifications including the safe system for the Direct Vision Standard. Brigade’s team of experts work closely with road safety associations and charities to provide the best and most up to date advice. Interpreting various specifications and understanding the terminology can be a minefield for operators. For example, references to ‘shall’, ‘should’ and ‘may’ in the Direct Vision standard depict whether a requirement is mandatory, recommended or permitted and transport managers can be left confused.

Brigade has provided advice to many OEM and OES suppliers and continues to work with the aftermarket to make sure that vehicles are compliant. In this role, Brigade also ensures products are fitted to maximise their  safety potential. For a free no obligation consultation on the Direct Vision Standard please contact us for an appointment.

Camera Monitoring Systems

‘A fully operational camera monitoring system fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.’

VBV-770M Select Range 7″ Digital LCD Monitor

VBV-300C Select Range compact, flush-mount side-view camera

High quality camera monitor systems that offer blind spot coverage at a cost-effective price.

Sensor System

‘A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.’

Sensors on rigid vehicles should ensure coverage size metres down the nearside or one metre from the rear of the vehicle, whichever is smaller. Sensors should not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. In the case of tractor units, these should be suitably positioned to provide sufficient coverage, but preventing activation solely on articulation of the trailer.

SS-4100W Sidescan sensor system

4 sensor system to inform driver of objects within close proximity in the nearside blind spot where cyclists or pedestrians can go undetected. Activated by the left turn indicator.

Warning Alarms

‘Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left’

SS-BC-08 Speaking alarm

Side turn warning for cyclists/pedestrians. Activates on the left turn indication. A combination of White sound and real-speech.

‘The device should have a manual on/off switch for use between the hours of 11:30pm – 7am’

TCO-47-01 Latched Cut-out switch for speaking alarm (recommended)