From 1 March, 2021 all vehicles over 12 tonnes GVW will require a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit to operate in Greater London.

If you don’t have one, you may be fined.  The introduction of this legislation was postponed from October last year to give affected businesses more time to meet the new standards as they face intense demands from the coronavirus pandemic.

Direct vision and road safety

The Direct Vision Standard 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. Vehicles will be allocated a star rating.  All vehicles much achieve at least a one-star standard.  This is planned to increase to a three-star standard in 2024.

The Direct Vision Standard and HGV 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.

HGV safety permit and requirements

All lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London will need to hold a valid HGV safety permit. The HGV safety permit scheme covers Greater London and will be in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Applying is free of charge. More information here.