HGV operators whose vehicles enter London are being reminded to register for a free safety permit ahead of the introduction of new rules designed to reduce road deaths.
According to Transport for London data, HGVs are disproportionately involved in fatal collisions with 41 per cent of collisions where cyclists were killed and 19 per cent of those where a pedestrian was killed involving HGVs.
London’s new Direct Vision Standard, which assigns vehicles a star rating based on how much the driver can see through their cab window, comes into effect on March 1st after which all owners of HGVs over 12 tonnes will need to display a valid permit to continue operating in the capital.
HGV owners are being advised to check TfL’s online vehicle registration checker to see the star rating of their HGV and apply for a safety permit if they’ve not already done so.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Our world-leading Direct Vision Standard will remove the most dangerous lorries from our city’s streets and save lives.
“With record numbers of Londoners walking and cycling as a result of the pandemic, it’s vital that we do all we can to protect them. I urge all HGV operators to apply for their safety permits as soon as possible as there are now less than two months to go until enforcement begins.”
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Head of Transport Strategy and Planning, said: “Introducing the Direct Vision Standard will be a huge step forward for road safety in London.
“We understand that the freight industry has been exceptionally busy during the coronavirus pandemic and as a result we delayed enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard and LEZ until 1 March, giving HGV operators more time to improve the safety and emissions of their vehicles. We have also streamlined our permit system to offer more support to operators who apply by the deadline.
“With less than two months to go until enforcement begins, our latest figures show that there are still many HGV operators working in London who have not applied for a free safety permit.
“We encourage them to apply as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for their application to be processed.”
