TfL Announces Grace Period for DVS Compliance

TfL Announces Grace Period for DVS Compliance

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was the first legislation to require safety permits for HGVs in Greater London, and it came into effect in 2020. Its mission is to reduce fatal incidents where vision is cited as a contributing factor, and it has already made a conspicuous contribution to the safety of vulnerable road users. A short period of grace post-deadline has just been announced, with additional provisions for large fleets - Brigade Electronics explains the details.

Under the DVS, operators with vehicles which fell short of the safety star rating system were obliged to fit additional safety equipment to gain a safe permit.

From October 2024, the safe permit becomes the Progressive Safe System (PSS). The minimum star rating needed for compliance increases to three stars and new technologies are required to be fitted to achieve this, as some older systems won’t be sufficient.

If your vehicle is GSR (General Safety Regulation) compliant then you should meet most elements of the DVS, but it’s very important to stress that this means the vehicle as a whole and not individual components. If you have an aftermarket component that meets the requirements of GSR, it is less relevant at aftermarket and may not meet DVS requirements.

What is the Grace Period for PSS Compliance?

The Progressive Safe System covers all vehicles over twelve tonnes which operate within the Greater London area, so it stretches out as far as the M25, and therefore affects a huge number of vehicles – initially operators were advised that to meet the deadline in time, around 15,000 vehicles would need to be retrofitted every month. It’s a mammoth task, and managers of large fleets have been struggling to ensure that they will be fully compliant by the deadline.

As a result, and following considerable pressure from hauliers, TfL has agreed to a period of grace for compliance. This grace period will run from 28th October 2024 until 23:59 on 4th May 2025. This duration was confirmed in July 2024 in collaboration with London councils. It is important to note, however, that the grace period is not automatic and early application is encouraged to ensure any issues can be addressed before the deadline.

PSS Grace Period Application and Guidelines

Applications for this grace period are available for all those who require additional time to install the new safety measures mandated under the Progressive Safe System. If an application is approved, this will grant operators additional time to install the required systems and obtain an HGV safety permit.

Additionally, multi-vehicle applications will only be accepted for operators with 100 or more vehicles. For smaller fleets, operators must apply for each vehicle individually to ensure they receive the grace period.

Application Guidelines for Individual Vehicles

Operators must apply for each specific vehicle they are seeking the grace period for. A London Road User Charging account is required to access this service.
Operators must provide evidence demonstrating that arrangements have been made for the vehicle to be fitted with the Progressive Safe System. This installation must be scheduled to take place after 28th October 2024, but no later than 23:59 on 4th May 2025.

Application Guidelines for Bulk Vehicles

A statement on company headed paper with this DVS Bulk Grace Period Application Template, including contact details, and stating the number of vehicles, the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) of these vehicles and confirmation that these vehicles have a valid HGV Safety Permit, and are programmed to be fitted with PSS equipment by 4th May 2025.
A list of the 100+ VRMs in an Excel MPA template which must match the VRMs listed on the statement.
Evidence from the fitter or supplier on headed paper, including contact details, stating the number of vehicles booked in for PSS fitting OR supply of equipment and that these vehicles are booked in for PSS fitting before 4th May 2025 OR equipment will be supplied before 4th May 2025. This must match the total number of VRMs on the excel spreadsheet and operator statement. The fitter or supplier does not need to list all the VRMs as long as they confirm the total number of vehicles being fitted/supplied.

Brigade’s DVS 2 Safe System Kits

Brigade’s products are independently tested to confirm they meet requirements. To help you apply for your permit, we have put together the following DVS compliant kits.

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Tam Progressive Safe System (DVS 2) Kiti

Kit Model No: PSS-001
Kit Parça No. 7679