Risk Update: Changes to TfL Safety Permit Scheme

Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme were introduced in 2021 and require operators of trucks over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) to have a safety permit in order to enter and operate in London.

As of 28 October 2024, more stringent road user vehicle safety features will be introduced to protect vulnerable road users in Greater London.

What has caused these new changes to the TfL Safety Permit Scheme?

This change is part of the Mayor of London’s ‘Vision Zero for London’ plan to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London streets by 2041. To achieve that, a ‘safe systems’ approach has been adopted to make the entire road environment safer. Not just for vehicles, but streets, speeds and behaviours too.

What is the Direct Vision Standard and how is it changing?

The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see through their truck windows. There are five ratings ranging from zero (i.e. limited direct vision) to five (i.e. good direct vision) with one being the minimum requirement. However, from 28 October 2024, the minimum star rating requirement will change from one star to three stars.

This means that vehicles rated below a three or unrated will need to fit the new Progressive Safe System. More to follow on this below.

Find out your Direct Vision Standard

The DVS is recognised by Europe’s leading truck manufacturers and most vehicles come with a DVS rating. If you do not know the rating of your HGV, you can use Transport for London (TfL)’s online tool to find out your DVS star rating and check your vehicle’s permit status.

What is the Progressive Safe System (PSS) and how is it changing?

From October 2021, HGVs with a zero-star DVS rating had to be fitted with additional ‘Safe System’ features to operate in London.

As previously mentioned, from 28 October 2024, only HGVs rated three stars and above be allowed on Greater London streets without fitting a Progressive Safe System (PSS). The PSS fitting will require the installation of additional safety features going beyond the 2021 ‘Safe System’ standard.

Vehicles with a zero, one star, or two star DVS rating with permits granted before 24 June 2024 are valid until midnight on 27 October 2024. By then, permit holders will need to have applied for a new safety permit to prove a vehicle meets PSS requirements.

What are the Progressive Safe System requirements?

The Direct Vision Standard: Guidance for operators states that vehicles with a zero star, one star, and two star DVS rating will need to do the following:

1. A camera monitoring system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
2. Class V and VI mirrors, or camera monitoring system, to the front and nearside of the vehicle
3. A blind spot information system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
4. A moving-off information system must be fitted to the front of the vehicle.
5. Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle.
6. An audible vehicle turning-left warning must be fitted to the vehicle
7. External visual warning stickers and markings must be displayed on the vehicle. [1]

Haulage insurance from Towergate

To find out more about haulage vehicle insurance, be that for a single truck or a fleet, see our haulage insurance page, request a quote online, call 0344 892 1434 or talk to your usual Towergate advisor.

About the author

Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.

This is a marketing article by Towergate Insurance. Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.