Transport for London (TfL) is reminding all HGV operators that wish to drive in London to apply for their free safety permit before 1^st March when enforcement of the new Direct Vision Standard will begin. All owners of HGV’s over 12 tonnes will need to display a valid permit showing compliance with the Direct Vison Standard. It is hoped it will minimise blind spots in the vehicle to reduce deaths and serious injuries in the capital. In data from TfL on collisions between 2018 and 2020, HGVs were involved in 41% of collisions where cyclists were killed and were involved in 15% of all road deaths. Further information is available from TfL - Direct Vision Standard The above video provides a useful explanation from TfL. It is vital that drivers check visibility and mirrors etc in daily walk-around safety checks before driving. Using an app such as SmartCheck will give operators confidence that these checks have taken place and any issues dealt with. SmartCheck records the location, time and duration of the checks conducted and provides a real time reporting capability with supporting evidence from photographs. You can sign up to SmartCheck for £60 per vehicle per annum with no limit on the number of checks conducted.