One of the UK’s leading vehicle CCTV camera specialists, Centrad has already laid the groundwork to preparing for the incoming changes to Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard.
Currently, HGVs over 12 tonnes which operate within Greater London only require a one-star rating to obtain a DVS permit, however under the new regulations this is set to rise to a minimum of three stars per vehicle.
From October 2024, operators will be mandated to fit a new ‘Progressive Safe System’ for zero, one and two-star rated vehicles – meaning thousands of operators will become non-compliant practically overnight as a direct result of the sweeping changes.
Operators that do not comply with the minimum star rating will be forced to apply for a Progressive Safe System, which replaces the current Safe Permit. Operators will also be required to fit a new range of blind spot and predictive collision warning systems. Furthermore, many systems that were fitted to meet the old DVS requirements will not be applicable from October next year.
Logistics UK indicates that 173,000 HGVs will require new systems by the October deadline, putting monumental pressure on operators across the country.
Centrad, which has a wealth of experience in delivering Progressive Safe Systems for DVS on behalf of fleet operators across the country, has taken proactive action to ensure they are on hand to provide expert advice to their customers in the coming months.
In preparation, the customer-centric company has set up a dedicated DVS helpline, where their in-house technicians will be available to answer any queries relating to the new changes and provide consultative guidance to operators on which Progressive Safe Systems will be required to make their vehicles compliant with the new regulations.
The business has also committed to offering the security of a price freeze for customers who book an early-bird fitting slot. Equally, operators will be provided with a guaranteed timeslot which will aim to work to a timetable that suits them, alleviating time pressures during an especially time-sensitive period.
Geoff Cross, Managing Director of Centrad commented: “With the cost-of-living crisis still rumbling on, as well as both fuel costs and inflation still remaining high the new DVS changes have come at a difficult time for operators.
“However, with a little over a year until the new regulations are enforced, it is vital that operators act fast to ensure their vehicles are compliant once deadline day arrives.
“Our aim is to provide operators with expert, consultative advice to enable a seamless transition to the new changes, and ultimately to help them avoid falling foul of making uninformed decisions – either by ‘overbuying’ unnecessary equipment or receiving incorrect guidance.”
Geoff continued: “It is therefore vital that operators partner with a supplier that has an in-depth understanding of the newly introduced changes to ensure compliance.
“Centrad has extensive experience in consulting on and fitting vehicle safety systems to ensure fleet operators are compliant with DVS, FORS and CLOCS requirements and is something that we endeavour to replicate again with the new Progressive Safe System requirements in the coming months.”
