Centrad warns operators of DVS grace period fine print as deadline looms

With the latest DVS changes set to come into force later this month, Geoff Cross, Managing Director of commercial vehicle safety systems experts Centrad, has shed light on what operators need to understand about qualifying for the grace period.

The grace period, which is set to run from 28th October 2024 through to 4th May 2025, was doubled in July from three to six months to provide operators with sufficient time to ensure they can comply with the stricter standards.

It came soon after the RHA revealed from its DVS readiness survey that 57 per cent of respondents said they were not confident of being able to install compliant equipment in time, and 89 per cent calling for the grace period to be extended.

To be eligible for the grace period, TfL states that operators must show proof that they have scheduled installation work for the PSS, and that this is arranged for after 28th October, but before May 5th 2025. Operators must also ensure that the vehicle in question must hold an active zero, one or two star Safety Permit otherwise applications will not be considered.

The DVS grace period will not be granted automatically and needs to be applied for through a London Road User Charging account. Operators will need to apply separately for each vehicle that requires an extension.

While the grace period has been pushed back to next year, Geoff Cross of Centrad has urged hauliers to be aware of the conditions surrounding applying for an extension, believing many could fail in their applications by overlooking the stringent fine print set out by TfL.

Geoff commented: “It was positive to see that after intense negotiations between TfL and Logistics UK, AICES and RHA, the DVS grace period was extended from three to six months to ensure operators were given necessary time to adapt to the incoming changes.

“While this was welcome news to all, the grace period application process comes with conditions, and doesn’t mean that operators are able to put their DVS transition plan on ice until next year. In the application itself, which can be made through an operator’s London Road User Charging account, operators fundamentally have to provide evidence that they have plans in place to retrofit the PSS before May 5th 2025.

“The deadline for the changes to be enforced is still 28th October 2024 and despite the best efforts of the industry nothing has changed in this regard. So, if applications for the grace period haven’t been received and accepted by that date, operators whose vehicles lack a valid DVS Safety Permit will face fines for entering Greater London.”

Penalties for entering Greater London without a valid DVS Safety Permit can reach £550 per day, reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days.

Geoff added: “It’s crucial that operators understand the true purpose of the grace period and its criteria.

“For those that require an extension, they need to demonstrate tangible evidence that preparations are underway. Acceptable proof could include written confirmations, appointment bookings, or any other forms of communication indicating that an operator has scheduled installation work or purchased equipment that is set to arrive after the October 2024 deadline, and before the grace period deadline.

“Operators should also be aware that they are required to submit individual applications in respect of each vehicle they want to receive a grace period for.”