Driving law changes could see vehicles refused from operation in new 'world-leading' system
A three-month grace period from October 28, 2024, will be offered to comply with the new regulations
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Drivers are being urged to act before it’s too late with new driving laws set to be launched next year that could see some vehicles forced away from roads.
Transport for London will be strengthening the “world-leading” Direct Vision Standard in October 2024 in a bid to improve safety on roads in the capital.
When the new laws are introduced, HGVs over 12 tonnes will be required to have a three-star rating or fit a Progressive Safe System (PSS) of vehicle safety measures to operate in Greater London.
With less than a year before the new rules are rolled out, Transport for London is urging drivers and fleets to prepare themselves for the changes.
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TfL points to the high rate of fatal collisions as a reason to extend the new rules after calling the first phase of the scheme a “great success”.
The DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme are key pillars of Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network.
Between 2018 and 2023, fatal collisions where vision is a contributing factor have fallen by an impressive 75 per cent.
The work being done by TfL and vehicle manufacturers has led to the European Union incorporating direct vision into safety standards.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, said: "We are determined to make roads safer for everyone and are committed to Vision Zero, the Mayor's goal to eliminate death and serious injury from the transport network.
“It's vital that all vehicles using London's roads have safety at the forefront of their design and our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to significantly improve lorry safety, reducing fatal collisions where vision is a contributing factor by three quarters between 2018 and 2023.
“With one year to go until we enhance the DVS HGV Permit Scheme, we are now encouraging operators to prepare their fleets so that we can take this important next step in making our streets safer for everyone."
Safety measures, alongside the DVS, will save an estimated 25,000 lives by 2038, the European Commission estimates.
A three-month grace period from October 28, 2024, will be offered to the industry to comply with the new PSS regulations.
This will allow any fleets and motorists to adapt to the new rules, with TfL and London Councils set to review the grace period in June 2024.
A consultation was launched earlier this year to assess the impacts on operators, manufacturers and the wider industry, with an “encouraging level of support” being seen for the DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme.
Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: "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.
“From October 2024, TfL is enhancing the DVS HGV Permit Scheme. TfL is now encouraging operators to prepare their fleets and ensure they meet the new safety standards.
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"More Londoners are walking and cycling than ever before and this bold action is a major step forward in the Mayor's Vision Zero plan to eradicate all deaths and injuries from our roads, and will hopefully transform road safety across Europe in the coming years."