Direct Vision Standard presents hauliers challenges - RHA MD tells TfL

RHA Managing Director Richard Smith reflects on his recent meeting with Seb Dance, Transport for London Deputy Mayor for Transport.

I was delighted to catch up with London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, at the Mayor of London’s headquarters at City Hall yesterday.

We discussed the challenges hauliers are facing with the new Direct Vision Standard changes, the need for the grace period to be extended by 18 months to allow operators time to comply, as well as the urgent clarity needed on the specifications.

I updated the Deputy Mayor on the results of our member survey on DVS which showed over 80% of operators say they needed more time to fit compliant kit and over 60% of operators now believe they will need to change their delivery patterns, with a third stating that they will either permanently reduce the number of lorries entering London or not service London at all.

We will keep members updated on our conversations with TfL and look forward to working with the Deputy Mayor on the priorities set out in our London Manifesto.