ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIRECT VISION STANDARD
Your quick guide to DVS and the 2024 update
What is the Direct Vision Standard?
Transport for London (TfL) introduced the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in 2019, with enforcement beginning in March 2021, with the aim of increasing the safety of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) above 12 tonnes. DVS is designed to improve the driver’s vision from the cab to prevent collisions caused by poor visibility and minimise the risk to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
Why was the Direct Vision Standard introduced?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was developed by Transport for London (TfL) as part of the Mayor of London’s plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041. TfL data had shown that HGVs are five times more likely involved in a collision resulting in a fatality, relative to their share of traffic. While HGVs accounted for just 3% of the miles driven in London (2018-20), they were involved in 41% of fatal collisions with cyclists and 19% with pedestrians.
What is the DVS Rating System?
The DVS rating system calculates driver visibility from the cab, considering size and shape of the vehicle; position of the cab; and design of the mirrors and windows. This is rated from zero to five stars, with zero indicating the lowest rating. Since its launch, the minimum star rating for HGVs entering and operating in Greater London has been one star, but from 28th October 2024, this will increase to three stars.
What is the Progressive Safe System (PSS)?
The Progressive Safe System (PSS) is required for all zero, one and two star rated vehicles operating in London from 28th October 2024. It includes several requirements including:
- Moving Off Information System (MOIS) – fitted to the front of the vehicle to warn the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user and prevent collisions at the front blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest.
- Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) – ensure full coverage down the nearside of the vehicle to detect vulnerable road users and prevent left turn collisions. The detection system must distinguish between vulnerable road users and roadside furniture or stationary vehicles.
- Camera Monitoring System (CMS) – fitted to the nearside of the vehicle to eliminate the remaining blind spot at the nearside. A CMS can also be used as an alternative to fitting Class V and VI mirrors.
Other features include audible alerts and visual warning decals, warning pedestrians and cyclists of HGVs making left turns.
What are the key dates to achieve DVS compliance?
HGV operators must meet a minimum DVS vehicle rating of three stars by 28 October 2024, but the London Council’s Transport and Environment Committee has agreed to extend the grace period before enforcement begins to 4th May 2025. Companies will still need to provide evidence that installation of the PSS is scheduled, but arranged after the 28th October deadline. Otherwise, non-compliance prior to the extended grace period will result in fines of up to £550 per vehicle per day.
How do you apply for HGV safety permits?
Apply for a permit free of charge via the TfL website here. Whether or not the operator considers the vehicle to meet the standards, all lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London need to hold a valid HGV safety permit before using the area to avoid receiving a PCN. Proof of installation of required safety equipment must be supplied to TfL when you apply for your permit.
Where can you find further information on the Direct Vision Standard?
Further guidance about the Direct Vision Standard and the impending requirement changes is available on the TfL website here.