Introduce new security clearance and emissions legislation to reach Greater London

Effective March 1, 2021 all heavy vehicles weighing more than 12 tonsIn order to reach Greater London, they must have a security clearance. The issuance of this pass is completely free however Operators who do not own them will be subject to fines of £ 550 a day.

This new safety system provides trucks with a rating ranging from “zero stars” (lowest value) to “five stars” (highest value), based on At the level of direct visibility of the driver through the cabin windows (and not through the cameras and mirrors). Under the new provisions, only vehicles rated “one star” will be permitted to operate in Greater London. To find out the car’s star rating according to this new Direct Vision Standard, contact the manufacturer. Vehicles with a zero rating can only be accepted if they can demonstrate compliance through alternative systems (such as blind-spot stickers, similar to the French model).

DVS requirements include:

• Portable mirrors of the fifth and sixth series;
• Exterior stickers warning unprotected road users of “blind spots”;
• A device that sends out the sound of other road users when the vehicle intends to turn;
• A device that signals the driver that another road user is in a “blind spot” around the vehicle;
• Fully functional camera targets “blind spots” around the vehicle, including side guards.

We also point out that from October 2024, trucks with a rating below three stars will have to be equipped with a progressive safety system.

The security clearance is issued for vehicles with a rating from 1 to 5. The issuance takes place after verifying the vehicle’s evaluation, and is done at the following location: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/?cid=direct-vision-permit

Instructions for the new system are available at the following link: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/hgv-safety-permit-guidance-for-operators-entering-london.pdf

More information can be found here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/deliveries-in-london/deliving-safely/direct-vision-in-heavy-goods-vehicles

finallyWe also point out that starting from 01/03/2021, new, more restrictive emissions legislation will go into effect in London. Vehicles will need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards to enter the city or pay a daily fee to drive in Greater London. To find out more information, you can contact: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/low-emission-zone/changes-to-the-lez