A new safety scheme for HGVs in London is significantly improving lorry safety in the capital, helping save lives and preventing life changing injuries, first quarter data shows.

Transport for London (TfL), working with the London boroughs and the freight industry and campaign groups, introduced the pioneering Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in London in March 2021. The scheme requires owners of HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes to apply for a free permit that assigns vehicles a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows in order to be able to drive in the capital.

In the first three months of the scheme, more than 135,000 safety permits have been issued and nearly 69,000 heavy goods vehicles have been fitted with safety measures to protect people walking and cycling.

Vice-Chair of the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Claire Holland, said: “Improving safety on the capital’s roads is a top priority for London boroughs. We recognise the challenges posed to at-risk road users by larger vehicles carrying essential goods and services across the capital. Ensuring lorry drivers have good levels of visibility will help to protect at-risk road users and could increase the number of people who walk and cycle in the capital as they feel more comfortable to do so. This is vital for our efforts to tackle air pollution for London’s diverse communities and ensure a safe and sustainable recovery from the pandemic."

The Direct Vision Standard scheme is now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is enforced on all roads in London. The standards are set to tighten further in 2024, which will deliver even safer lorries across the country.

According to a new report published by Centre for London, high streets are in at risk of decline without urgent attention.

It states the government should give communities more say over their local high streets’ future and enable councils to support them to do this.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “London wouldn’t be the same without its unique high streets and town centres.

“The way we use our high streets and town centres is changing, but that only makes it more important than ever that local communities can shape how these spaces develop and ensure the best possible long-term benefits.

“The proposed extension of permitted development rights would hugely weaken boroughs’ planning powers and local people’s input. We’re greatly concerned by the prospect of losing vast swathes of London’s high streets and town centres to ill thought through, low-quality housing – and we’re urging the government to shift its approach. ”

On Tuesday 1 June, an agreement was reached extending the financial support for Transport for London (TfL).

This funding will support TfL from 29 May 2021 to 11 December 2021. The Funding Package will contribute towards TfL's revenue loss due to reduced passenger numbers using TfL services as a result of the pandemic.

Read TfL's full statement.