With applications for London HGV Safety Permits having launched, FTA is advising businesses that operate within the M25 to apply as soon as possible to ensure they can keep using their vehicles in the capital once the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) launches next year. The business organisation, which represents the interests of the logistics sector, supports the Mayor of London’s ambition but still argues DVS is not the most effective route to reducing vehicular harm.
Christopher Snelling, Head of UK Policy at FTA, comments: “As the organisation speaking on behalf of the logistics sector, FTA fully supports the Mayor of London’s ‘Vision Zero’ approach to improving road safety, but we do not believe DVS is the most effective approach – it is a limited and expensive intervention. Instead, Sadiq Khan should have focused on the development of technological safety solutions, such as advanced cameras, sensors, and automatic emergency braking which would work to eliminate the element of human error.
“FTA has, however, been working closely with Transport for London during the scheme’s development and is pleased to see that many of our suggestions have been taken on board. For example, those operating larger fleets will no longer be required to provide as much detail as first thought; logistics is already one of the most heavily legislated sectors of industry and more administrative burden would have been untenable.”
Mr Snelling continues: “Whatever we think of the scheme, FTA is advising businesses which work in the capital to apply for HGV Safety permits now to ensure they can continue operating their vehicles in London after the first phase of DVS launches in October 2020. All goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will need to have a permit to access the capital’s roads. Any vehicle which does not meet the scheme’s minimum one-star rating will need to fit the requirements of the new Safe System to obtain a permit – do not leave it until the last minute to apply.”
Businesses can apply for HGV Safety Permits by visiting www.tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.
