Khan delays lorry safety scheme

London

Enforcement of London’s new Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which aims to reduce accidents between lorries and vulnerable road users, has been delayed by four months because of Covid-19.  So too has the tightening of the capital-wide low emission zone standards. 

Enforcement of the DVS was due to start on 26 October.  Anyone caught driving an HGV within Greater London without a valid HGV safety permit (free on application) will receive a penalty charge notice of up to £550. 

The DVS?will still become legally enforceable on 26 October but London mayor Sadiq Khan has asked that no enforcement takes place until at least the end of February, with the date remaining under review.

The tightening of the LEZ standards?had also been due to be implemented in October. This too has been suspended for at least four months. 

Khan said the delays would  enable the freight industry to concentrate on core operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Freight Transport Association welcomed the announcement. Natalie Chapman, its head of urban policy, said: “Logistics businesses are having to give their complete attention to the urgent task of keeping goods moving across London throughout the Covid-19 outbreak; there is simply no time, resource or funding for them to undertake the significant work needed to prepare their fleets for the arrival of DVS and the tightening of the LEZ.”

She said both schemes might have to be delayed further. “Whilst the announced delay will give welcome relief to logistics operators, a longer period is likely to be needed for businesses to adjust.”  

The LEZ, the central London ultra-low emission zone, and the central London congestion charge are all currently suspended because of Covid-19 (LTT?03 Apr).