Direct Visions Standard

Andrew Boff AM moved, and Lord Bailey AM seconded the following motion:

“This Assembly notes that the new Direct Vision Standard was introduced on 28 October.

Improving road safety is paramount. However, it must be noted that 95% of road haulage operators are small companies who operate on very small margins.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to provide an update on the number of new permits issued, given that over 200,000 lorries are likely to require permits.

This Assembly is concerned about the bureaucratic impact on operators with fewer than 100 vehicles who have not been able to register vehicles via Transport for London’s (TfL) “multi-vehicle application” procedure. In the absence of permit data to confirm otherwise, this Assembly calls on TfL to allow these operators to apply for a grace period. This will support small businesses which are a vital part of London's economy.

This Assembly also calls on the Mayor to provide a grant scheme to support small businesses to comply and take into account affordability impacts at a time when record numbers of hauliers – over 500 – went out of business in the past year.”

Following debate and upon being put to the vote, the motion was agreed with 8 votes in favour and 3 against.