The scheme mandates heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to have a safety permit before entering most parts of Greater London.
TfL assigns a star rating to vehicles based on the DVS which measures how much of the road and surroundings the driver can see through their cab windows to help with visibility and safety of other road users.
Operators of HGVs that applied for and were granted a grace period now have until 23:59 on 4 May 2025 to install the Progressive Safe System and obtain an HGV safety permit.
All HGVs over 12 tonnes need a three-star rating or fit a Progressive Safe System in the vehicle to operate in Greater London. Failure to meet the new requirements will result in the drivers getting a penalty charge notice (PCN). HGVs are also required to hold a safety permit before entering and using the areas covered by the HGV safety permit scheme.
If an HGV is driven within Greater London without a valid permit, operators may receive a PCN of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days). TfL can also revoke or suspend a permit if a vehicle that has been granted a permit is later found to be in breach of the permit terms.
To find out which areas of Greater London are covered by visiting this link www.tinyurl.com/ety764tp.
The DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme are part of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
Transport manager changes become fully digital
The Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) recently sent a circular reminding operators that, in line with its modernisation and implementation of a ‘digital by default’ process for most of its services, further changes came into effect on 31 January 2025.
In September, the OTC moved towards this approach by making the continuation process digital. The OTC is now mandating that all alterations to transport managers on an operator’s licence use the digital process already available within the Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) system.
This change took effect from 31 January 2025. The TM1 form has now been withdrawn and is no longer accepted, and all changes must be made on the VOL system. At the same time, the OTC is also requiring that all applications to surrender a licence are made digitally through the VOL system.
It is important that operators understand and act upon this advice. Backhouse Jones Solicitors has a team that specialises in managing O licences and can advise operators who have any issues.
Alternatively, operators can contact the Licensing Office on 02045518711 or at notifications@vehicle-operator-licensing.service.gov.uk.
Templates to prevent sexual harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has now published templates to help employers prevent sexual harassment within the workplace.
These templates comprise a checklist, action plan and monitoring log. The EHRC states that the templates aim to complement existing HR policies and help employers take action to protect their organisation and their workers.
Originally developed for the hospitality industry, the checklist has been recommended by the EHRC for adaptation across other sectors.
By incorporating these templates alongside their own policies, companies can help reduce the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace and ensure more effective monitoring and prevention.
More details of the templates can be found by visiting this link www.tinyurl.com/ye2a5w5v.
This page is brought to you by Backhouse Jones Solicitors, which runs a frequent series of podcasts – see www.tinyurl.com/2xbv3jzv
