Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to obtain a safety permit before entering and operating in most of Greater London. Otherwise you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
Direct vision and road safety
The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling, near the vehicle.
A vehicle can have a rating of zero stars (the lowest rating, with poor direct vision) up to five stars (the highest rating with excellent direct vision).
From 28 October 2024, the HGV Safety Permit requirement will be strengthened. The minimum star rating for compliance will increase from one to three. Any vehicle with a star rating of between zero and two will be required to fit the Progressive Safe System to be eligible for a Safety Permit. We consulted on the new Progressive Safe System in spring 2023. Vehicles rated between three and five stars are unaffected.
Applications under the Progressive Safe System opened on 24 June 2024.
For vehicles rated between zero and two stars that are not yet fitted with the Progressive Safe System applications may still be made under the existing Safe System conditions, however any permit granted will only be valid until midnight 27 October 2024.
If your HGV is rated between three and five stars, you can apply for a permit without the need to provide any additional evidence.
The Direct Vision Standard and HGV safety permit for HGVs is part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.
HGV safety permit and requirements
Whether or not the operator considers the vehicle to meet the standards, all lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in most of Greater London need to hold a valid HGV safety permit before using the area to avoid receiving a PCN.
The HGV safety permit scheme covers Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Permit applications can be made online at tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit
Applying for a permit is free of charge.
For more information about the HGV safety permit scheme you can view a map of where it operates or read the HGV safety permit - guidance for operators entering London document below.
Alternatively, please visit Transport for London’s website.
