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DVS London Compliance
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a regulation that applies to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) operating in Greater London and is a major step towards making roads safer for everyone. It is designed to assess and improve the direct visibility that drivers have from their cabs, ensuring they can see all vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, more easily. By reducing reliance on mirrors, the standard helps to minimise blind spots and enhance overall road safety. Learn more about DVS London Compliance.
The Rationale for Implementing the Direct Vision Standard
The importance of DVS becomes clear when we look at the statistics.
Despite the fact that HGVs make up only a fractional volume of general traffic, their rates of fatal collisions are disproportionately high, particularly in and around major urban areas. These commercial vehicles have large blind spots that often obscure pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users from view. The lack of visibility has led to tragic outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for schemes such as the Direct Vision Standard to be introduced, and address this critical safety issue.
This urgency for the DVS is reinforced by recent data indicating a significant rise in cycling journeys. In 2023, daily cycling journeys in London increased to 1.26 million, up 6.3% from 1.18 million in 2022. While this growth in cycling is positive, it underlines the need for enhanced safety measures for vulnerable road users. According to Transport for London TfL in 2023, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists made up 80% of all people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads, with 2,981 individuals affected.
The Direct Vision Standard was developed by TfL in response to concerns regarding the reduction of incidents and enhancing drivers' visibility from their cabs. By focusing on minimising blind spots, the DVS helps prevent collisions caused by the lack of driver’s direct vision. This makes the DVS not just a technical requirement, but a life-saving standard for the most vulnerable people on the roads.
Increase in Daily Cycling Journeys in London (2022- 2023)
How does the DVS Improves Road Safety
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a crucial development in road safety, particularly in urban areas, as it redefines how visibility is addressed for HGV drivers. By setting clear visibility requirements, the DVS ensures that drivers have a better view of the road, significantly reducing blind spots. This initiative has also paved the way for the implementation of the Progressive Safe System (PSS), further enhancing safety measures.
Advanced Systems for Improved Driver Perception:
The DVS improves indirect vision, where direct vision is lacking and encourages new technology adoption. Moving Off Information System (MOIS) is an essential component of this approach.
MOIS displays critical information to the driver when the vehicle is stationary and about to move off, avoiding accidents with cyclists and pedestrians that may be too close to a moving vehicle. This system plays a significant role in preventing accidents that can occur when a vehicle begins to move, especially in busy urban areas.
Reduction in Blind Spot-Related Accidents:
The DVS directly addresses one of the most significant causes of accidents involving HGVs blind spots. By improving indirect vision, the standard reduces the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists who might otherwise go unnoticed.
A crucial aspect of this is the continual development of the Progressive Safe System, which includes advanced equipment such as Blind Spot Information System (BSIS). The system alerts drivers to the presence of moving objects or people in their blind spots, significantly reducing the risk of side collisions, particularly when turning left. This technology is vital in areas such as Greater London, where vulnerable road users are often at the greatest risk.
These advanced systems are now a standard feature in HGVs over 12T, reinforcing the industry's commitment to the advancement of road safety through technological innovations. By integrating these technologies, the DVS not only ensures compliance with safety standards but creates a safe driving environment for all road users.
The Broader Impact of the DVS
When considering what is the Direct Vision Standard and why it matters, it’s essential to recognise its role within the broader context of road safety initiatives.
The DVS is part of a larger effort by Transport for London (TFL) to achieve Vision Zero, an ambitious plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041. By enforcing strict visibility standards and encouraging the adoption of advanced safety technologies, the DVS plays a critical role in this vision, helping to create safer streets for everyone.
Already, the positive impacts of the DVS are evident. According to Transport for London (TfL), the number of fatal collisions involving heavy goods vehicles fell by 62% in 2023 compared to the 2017/2019 average—dropping from 16 to just 6 deaths. This decline highlights the importance of standards like the DVS in making tangible improvements to road safety.
More importantly, the DVS should serve as a model for other cities and regions, demonstrating that the safety of road users must be a priority. The rise of similar standards elsewhere indicates that this could create a ripple effect, making high standards in vehicle design and road safety the norm rather than the exception.
Number of fatal collisions involving HGVs 2017/2019 Baseline vs. 2023
Why the Direct Vision Standard Should Matter to You
Whether you're a road user, vehicle operator, or policymaker, the Direct Vision Standard should be important to you because it represents a significant advancement in how we protect lives on the road. For HGV drivers, it provides essential visibility standards that help navigate complex urban environments more safely. For pedestrians and cyclists, the DVS offers a layer of protection that can reduce the risks they encounter daily.
But the DVS is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s a proactive measure designed to improve direct visibility and create a safer, more inclusive road system for all. Contact us for more information on Direct Vision Standard and ensuring compliance.