Following extensive lobbying by some transport groups and the many operators who lobbied directly, Transport for London (TfL), has granted a ‘Grace Period’ concession to give HGV operators more time to fit the required “safe systems” in order to comply with the Direct Visions Standard (DVS).
For those unaware, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in Greater London, or you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
This gives HGV operators who register with TfL before 1st March 2021 a “defined” 90 days to enable them to comply with the DVS requirements and are now experiencing delays in supply and fitting.
We were unaware of this but from 1 January, buses, lorries / trucks and trailers if towed, above 3.5 tonnes will be required to carry blind spot stickers in France. Although the IRU has protested against this unilaterally proclaimed measure, it would have been good to be prepared.
The IRU called upon the European Union to intervene against the French measure, but given the time this was announced, with Brexit and the then Christmas / New Year break, little change could have been expected. We can only assume that the French measure has therefore taken off as of 1 January as planned. Here are the rules as announced by France:
In December, we told you that tyres aged over 10 years will be banned on the front axles of lorries, buses, coaches and all single wheels of minibuses (9 to 16 passenger seats).
The law comes into effect on 1 February 2021.
Updating our guidance
To help vehicle operators and those who work with them, we’ve published updated versions of the:
You can read Section 8 of the updated documents to find out how the procedures and standards on the condition of tyres will change from 1 February 2021.
The manuals also give guidance on tyre age markings and set out the deficiency categories for these items at annual test.
A change table listing all the changes in the manuals is also available to view.
Heavy vehicle testing can continue under the new national lockdown with COVID-19 secure measures in place.
We will continue to provide the vehicle standards assessors needed to test heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) safely.
Our Network Business Managers will work with ATFs to manage any local impacts from COVID-19 on our service provision.
You should continue to manage the regular maintenance and inspection schedule for your vehicles and trailers. This is a legal requirement under your operator’s licence.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) periodic training is to be monitored by DVSA to ensure drivers are not unnecessarily repeating training as part of the 35-hour requirement.
This follows a review of Driver CPC training and recommendations made by the European Commission which the Government has adopted.
We strongly urge HGV drivers travelling to or via France to ensure they have a negative COVID test before heading to ports. Those using Kent ports are now also legally required to have a Kent Access Permit.
HGVs leaving England for France can only cross the Channel with evidence of an authorised negative COVID test, that has been conducted within the 72-hour period before their departure. This is mandated by the UK and French governments.
HGV drivers arriving in Kent with proof of a negative Covid test and a Kent Access Permit will now be ‘fast tracked’, with quicker access to the port or eurotunnel terminal.
