The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is urging Transport for London (TfL) to listen carefully to industry feedback relating to the introduction of its new Progressive Safe System (PSS) that HGVs (over 12 tonnes GVW) operating in London must adhere to from October 2024.

PSS is being introduced as part of the new Direct Vision Standards. 

The RHA is calling on TfL to announce that existing vehicles would not have to be retrofitted with new kit, instead phasing in the criteria so that new trucks will be fitted with the equipment through natural fleet replacement cycles.  The RHA is also calling on TfL to announce a reasonable extension to the grace period to allow kit manufacturers more time to supply the industry with what it needs to comply with PSS.

“Keeping people safe on our roads is absolutely our number one priority,” said Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director. “But we’re concerned about the timescales TfL has imposed amid doubts that the required kit will be available, and the practical and affordability challenges firms face to fit it. The new rules are causing a lot of uncertainty for firms entering and operating in London and we’re campaigning hard to ensure our industry’s voices are heard.”

The RHA says that implementation of the requirements from October might be impractical because of a lack of kit and fitters. “It’s worth reminding ourselves that there’s a widening shortage of heavy vehicle technicians available to service our commercial vehicle fleets across the country,” said Richard.

More information on what you need to do to comply with DVS is available here.

Photo:  Richard Smith.