The RHA remains proactive in discussions with Transport for London regarding upcoming changes to the Direct Vision Standards (DVS).
- Despite pre-election restrictions, the RHA is advocating on behalf of operators’ concerns about the Progressive Safe System (PSS).
- With a mayoral election looming, the RHA continues to press for clarity and support in meeting the new compliance requirements.
- Operators express significant concern over the tight deadlines imposed by the new DVS and PSS criteria.
- A substantial 87% of RHA members request a 12-month extension to the grace period for compliance.
The RHA remains actively involved in discussions with Transport for London (TfL) concerning the looming changes to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Despite the constraints imposed by the upcoming mayoral election, where established protocols limit the topics TfL can discuss, the RHA is taking definitive steps to ensure the concerns of operators are addressed. These efforts focus on the introduction of the Progressive Safe System (PSS), which is set to further the DVS by incorporating new technology aimed at enhancing road safety starting October.
Operators have raised alarms over the stringent timelines. Concerns focus on whether sufficient technical expertise exists to ensure compliance across all affected vehicles by the due date. The RHA has emphasised these timelines in meetings with TfL, urging them to extend the grace period to allow for comprehensive compliance.
An internal survey by the RHA revealed that a vast majority of its members, some 87%, are advocating for a 12-month extension to the grace period currently afforded to them. Fears of non-compliance have led to suggestions by some operators to potentially avoid operating in the Capital altogether, highlighting the critical need for intervention.
RHA managing director, Richard Smith, confirmed that discussions with TfL continue unabated, even as the election campaign unfolds. He stressed the importance of maintaining a dialogue, asserting, “We believe that technical discussions can take place during the election period,” reassuring stakeholders of their continued efforts in this regard.
While Transport for London navigates the election protocols, the RHA is also engaging with equipment manufacturers and installers to navigate the technical challenges. The priority remains to furnish operators with clear guidelines and to explore extending the compliance deadlines as necessary to accommodate these industry shifts.
The RHA remains committed to ensuring operators are sufficiently supported in adapting to the imminent changes to London’s road safety standards.
