London. UK: Transport for London is postponing enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard and the tightening of the London-wide Low Emission Zone for at least four months until the end of February 2021.
The FTA welcomed the move. Natalie Chapman, head of urban policy FTA said: “Logistics businesses are having to give their complete attention to the urgent task of keeping goods moving across London throughout the Covid-19 outbreak; there is simply no time, resource or funding for them to undertake the significant work needed to prepare their fleets for the arrival of DVS and the tightening of the LEZ.
“Logistics operators are already facing significant disruption to their operations as members of their workforce fall ill and/or enter into self-isolation. Achieving compliance with DVS [Direct Vision Standard] will require many goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to have additional cameras, sensors and alarms fitted.
“However, supplies of technology, equipment and trucks are already being disrupted and more effects are expected. Delaying enforcement will allow businesses to focus their efforts on ensuring the population of London continue to receive the food, hygiene products and other basic items required to see them through this pandemic.
“Whilst the announced delay will give welcome relief to logistics operators, a longer period is likely to be needed for businesses to adjust and FTA will continue to work collaboratively with TfL on the details and the timetable. Many operators had already started replacing vehicles and fitting additional safety equipment in preparation for the original October deadline, so in many cases compliance with these schemes will be realised even sooner than the original October deadline.”
Last month, (20 March) Transport for London stopped all road user charging schemes until further notice.
