Driving law changes could be delayed for six months as motorists plead for more time to adapt to rules

This is being done to improve road safety by giving HGV drivers a better view of the road, with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) already having a huge impact on reducing the number of fatal collisions.

Transport for London originally announced that drivers and fleets would be given a three-month grace period from October 28, allowing the industry to comply with the new PSS rules.

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The ideas in place from TfL look to improve vehicle safety features to reduce the level of risk to vulnerable road users, especially those walking and cycling.

However, these rules could now be delayed after several key players in the industry asked for a “reasonable extension to the grace period of around 12 months”.

Groups including the Association of International Courier and Express Service (AICES), Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) said this would give the industry time to ensure the DVS requirements could be met.

Concerns about the new rules included people's understanding of the requirements, the availability of equipment and fitters, as well as the potential cost impact for hard-pressed businesses.

The DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme is one of the critical aspects of London Mayor Sadiq Khan's plan to make roads safer through the Vision Zero initiative.

This aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network and takes inspiration from a similar European Union scheme.

The rules, which were originally introduced in 2019, saw enforcement begin in March 2021, with drivers receiving a penalty charge notice of up to £550 if they do not hold a valid DVS and HGV Safety permit.

These permits are required for operators of lorries over 12 tonnes before they operate in Greater London, with the PCN value being halved if paid within 14 days.

London Councils' transport and environment committee will take place tomorrow (Thursday, July 18) to determine whether fleets will be given more time to adapt their vehicles.

The committee is expected to decide on whether to keep the original October deadline, as a 12-month extension or a six-month delay that was proposed by TfL.

If the six-month delay was accepted, the new DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme rules would be introduced from May 4, 2025.

Speaking last year, Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said the new changes would have a dramatic impact on the safety of all road users in the capital.

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He added: "London's world-leading Direct Vision Standard is helping to significantly improve lorry safety in the capital.

"However, every death and serious injury on our roads is one too many and it is clear that further safety measures are required."