Grace Period Extension for DVS 2024: Fleet Operators Must Still Book Appointments by October 28
Initially slated for enforcement starting on October 28, the deadline has now been pushed to May 4, 2025. However, fleet operators are urged to book their appointments by October 28 to apply for the grace period effectively.
The DVS, part of the Mayor of London’s strategy to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041, aims to reduce incidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vulnerable road users. The standard mandates that vehicles over 12 tonnes must have a DVS rating of three stars or retrofit additional safety equipment to obtain a safety permit. The safety permit applications opened in June 2024 for HGVs rated as zero, one, or two stars, requiring them to fit the PSS to comply with the DVS. TfL encourages fleet operators to prepare their fleets for these new safety standards, which promise to enhance road safety across Greater London significantly.
Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to this extension but requires operators to apply for the extension on a case-by-case basis, supplying confirmation of the booking of scheduled installation works of a PSS after October 28. This move is intended to ensure that fleet operators have sufficient time to source and fit the necessary equipment, addressing concerns about availability and affordability.
Fleet operators are urged to book their appointments and apply for their extensions by October 28 to ensure compliance with the upcoming DVS standards. This proactive step will not only help them avoid penalties but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing road safety for all users.This extension impacts an estimated 216,000 trucks across the UK, providing a significant window for operators to upgrade their fleets. If successful in reducing road incidents and fatalities involving HGVs, this legislation may inspire similar measures in other large cities, further promoting road safety across the UK.
Despite the extension, operators must continue their preparations for the new DVS requirements. The revised Progressive Safe System (PSS) includes several critical components to enhance driver visibility and reduce blind spots, such as the Moving Off Information System (MOIS), Camera Moving System (CMS), and Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). Additional features like audible alerts and visual warning decals are designed to further protect pedestrians and cyclists.
