One of the key benefits of SMMT membership is being updated on forthcoming regulations that will affect the industry, as well as also having the opportunity to shape the response SMMT will give to consultations.
Over the past couple of weeks we have seen two announcements for new regulations that will affect the commercial vehicle sector in both the EU and domestically.
The first was a proposal from the European Commission that will amend the current EU Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) CO2 performance standards. These currently set truck manufacturers targets of a 15% CO2 reduction by 2025 and 30% by the end of 2029, against a 2019 baseline. Under the new proposals, HDV CO2 targets will become more stringent, leading to a 43% reduction by 2034, 64% reduction by 2039, and 90 % reduction from 2040 onwards.
The proposal will also see CO2 performance standards widened to cover almost all CVs over 5 tonnes, large coaches, and large commercial trailers. There will also be a 100% ZEV mandate for city buses.
Separate UK regulations cover truck CO2 standards – so the new EU proposals won’t be directly applicable to the UK – but no doubt these requirements will affect manufacturers who register HDVs (trucks, buses and coaches, and large trailers) in the EU.
Also last week, Transport for London published a consultation on the next phase of its Direct Vision Standard (DVS). The DVS seeks to minimise HGV blind spots by assessing how much an HGV driver can see through their cab windows. Where vehicles do not meet TFL’s minimum direct vision requirements, operators must add additional technology so to be issued with a ‘safety permit’ to operate in Greater London.
In October 2024, the requirements for the safety permit will be enhanced, meaning that the latest Blind Spot Information Systems and Moving Off Information Systems will be required. In addition, the minimum direct vision requirement will increase to 3 DVS stars, meaning all zero-, one- and two-star rated HGVs will need the new technology to gain a safety permit.
We gave TfL the opportunity to present their proposals at the Commercial Vehicle Section meeting this week and it was also discussed at the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technical Committee. We look forward to receiving feedback from members to help us formulate our response to the consultation.
