The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has asked Transport for London (TfL) to delay the enforcement of new rules for London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for at least four months after their introduction this October.
TfL recognises that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the road freight sector in ways which could make compliance with the new standards more challenging. While many companies may already be prepared for the new rules, the pandemic has disrupted supply chains and has placed additional demands on the industry. TfL believes postponing the enforcement will allow the freight industry to focus on its core operations during the pandemic.
Although the new rules under both schemes will still legally come into force on 26 October, no charges will be payable or enforced for non-compliant vehicles under those new standards until the end of February 2021. The new date for the start of enforcement will be kept under review.
TfL remains committed to working together to tackle some of London’s biggest challenges, including road danger and air quality. Tightened emissions standards for buses, coaches, lorries and specialist vehicles – in line with the tough requirements in place for the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone – will help clean up London’s air and save lives. Meanwhile the DVS will reduce danger to vulnerable road users by introducing a safety permit system for HGVs, assigning vehicles a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab window.
You can find full details on the DVS here.
Freight operators can continue to apply for an HGV Safety Permit on the TfL website.