BIFAlink


News Desk


www.bifa.org


London: additional compliance regulations come into force


The haulage industry is facing considerable change, much of it being driven by increasing environmental and safety standards. The problem with many of these measures, such as those relating to clean air zones, is that they are being introduced at a local level and there are variations in application.


London’s Direct Vision Standard Since October 2020, goods vehicles over 12 tonnes have required a permit to drive into Greater London under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which is based on a star rating indicating how much a driver can see from the cab, and has been developed to protect other road users. Due to the impacts of COVID-19,


legal enforcement has been delayed until March 2021. Transport for London requires fleet operators to allow 28 days to approve or reject applications. On 18 January 2021, Transport for London introduced an ‘allow list’ to manage the enforcement of London’s DVS for HGV operators who are unable to fit the required safety systems before enforcement begins on 1 March. From the documents that we


have received, operators concerned that they will not be fully complaint by 1 March 2021 will have had to have started their application process, or be in the process of having equipment fitted, to make their goods vehicles compliant. This will prevent these vehicles


operating in the designated areas from incurring penalties for a period of 90 days from 1 March 2021. Vehicles driving in the designated area are liable for a £550 penalty, which can be reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days. More information about the scheme can be found at: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/deliveries- in-london/delivering-safely/direct-vi sion-in-heavy-goods-vehicles


Ultra-Low Emission Zone Meanwhile, TfL has confirmed that a tighter Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standard will also come into force from 1 March to coincide with enforcement of the DVS. Current LEZ emissions standards set a limit


for how much particulate matter (PM) a vehicle may emit. From March, there will also be a limit for nitrogen oxides (NOx) for some vehicles, in line with the tough requirements in place for the Central London Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Heavy vehicles including lorries,


buses, coaches and specialist vehicles will need to meet Euro VI (NOx and PM) emissions standards or pay a daily charge to drive within the Greater London area.


The standards were previously set to take effect at the end of October 2020, but were postponed to allow affected businesses more time to meet them as they face intense demands from the coronavirus pandemic.


‘Essential’ status of logistics workers in UK is confirmed


The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that employees in the sector are considered ‘essential workers’ and accordingly will be allowed to travel for work. In addition, the children of logistics employees will be permitted to attend school along with those of other key workers. The DfT stated that it is considered essential


that the work of the logistics sector should continue to the greatest extent possible through the COVID-19 crisis. “As is clear in the latest guidance, those who


work to keep the freight transport modes operating during the coronavirus (COVID-19) response and EU transition, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass, are considered critical workers,” said the DfT. “This, therefore, includes haulage drivers,


managers, warehouse staff and all other logistics professions who we need to continue to go about their business to keep supply chains moving.


6 “As such, school-age children of employees


engaged in these activities should be eligible to continue attending school in line with government policy.


“Government policy is clear that this applies to


all supply chains and not only those for food and medical supplies. The current regulations allow travel to work and travel associated with work.”


February 2021


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24