Transport for London’s updated Direct Vision Standard has caused confusion among hauliers.
- The new Direct Vision Standard mandates compliance for trucks over 12 tonnes by 28 October.
- Loughborough University developed an explainer to help operators understand the requirements.
- The Road Haulage Association (RHA) calls for an extended grace period due to compliance challenges.
- Officials may extend the grace period for the Progressive Safe System to six months.
Transport for London’s stricter Direct Vision Standard, set to be enforced from 28 October, has led to uncertainty in the haulage industry. Hauliers operating trucks exceeding 12 tonnes gross weight must now comply with new Progressive Safe System (PSS) criteria within the capital. The updated standards require the installation of specific safety systems such as the DVS-compliant Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and the Moving Off Information System (MOIS).
In response to industry concerns about the clarity of these requirements, Loughborough University, in collaboration with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), has created an explainer document. This document aims to elucidate the technical specifications previously published by TfL, without introducing new mandates. The purpose is to translate complex criteria into plain language, aiding operators in understanding their obligations.
The explainer emphasises the importance of testing potential equipment on operational vehicles before making an investment. Operators are advised to ensure that all truck use cases are covered in driver testing, given some devices claiming compliance have been found non-compliant.
Despite this effort, the RHA remains concerned about the timelines provided by TfL for full compliance with the new standard. They argue that the current deadlines do not offer sufficient time for the expected upgrades across over 200,000 in-scope trucks amidst issues of equipment availability, volume, cost, and reliability.
The RHA has expressed their gratitude for the comprehensive explanations provided by Loughborough University but continues to press for a more extended grace period. There are hopes that a forthcoming market readiness report from London officials, expected in July, will provide further insights.
As a result of extensive lobbying, there is potential for an extension to the grace period for implementing the PSS. Official documents reveal that hauliers could benefit from an additional six months to meet the requirements, based on the deliberations of the London Councils’ transport and environment committee.
The Direct Vision Standard overhaul underscores the need for clear guidance and adequate preparation time for compliance.
