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Direct Vision Standard: Reducing Blind Spots and Saving Lives on London’s Roads
With increasing pressure to improve road safety in London, Transport for London’s (TfL) Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has become a major contributing factor in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, particularly those involving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Introduced in March 2021, the DVS was developed to address the dangerous blind spots in HGVs, which are a leading cause of accidents involving vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
The Direct Vision Standard assesses the level of direct visibility a driver has from the cab of an HGV, helping operators understand and mitigate the risks associated with limited vision. Improving this visibility is critical in densely populated areas like London, where large vehicles frequently interact with VRUs, often with tragic consequences.
To further strengthen road safety, TfL has launched Phase 2 of the DVS, raising the standards and introducing new compliance requirements for HGV operators. While this presents new challenges for the industry, it reflects ongoing progress in using technology and regulation to create safer streets and save lives.
DVS Star Rating System
The DVS utilises a star rating system, ranging from zero (poor) to five (excellent) stars, to quantify how much of the area around a vehicle can be seen directly by the driver, without the use of mirrors or cameras. The higher the star rating of a vehicle, the more and further the driver can see, limiting the risk of collisions due to blind spots. The standard was brought in by TfL as a part of its Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads by 2041.
Since March 2021, when DVS first came into operation, all HGVs over 12 tonnes travelling through Greater London required to have at least a one-star rating or, if below that, to fit additional safety equipment to obtain a DVS permit. The DVS permit, issued by TfL, is now a mandatory requirement for HGVs to operate legally within the city, emphasising TFL's commitment to tightening road safety standards.
The Changes to DVS London
As part of TFL’s commitment to improving road safety, the DVS has tightened up. Starting from October 2024, the requirements have become stricter, with HGVs needing a minimum of three stars to comply without requiring additional vehicle safety equipment. This change aims to address ongoing safety concerns and further reduce the risks associated with vehicles that have poor visibility.
Advances in technology and best practice saw the Safe System updated to the Progressive Safe System (PSS). Operators at this point must ensure that vehicles have the latest safety features installed, including sensors, cameras, and audible warnings that meet the enhanced requirements. From this point forward, all HGVs over 12 tonnes with a star rating of less than 2 must be fitted with the PSS in order to continue operating within Greater London.
Preparing for Compliance: What HGV Operators Need to Do
For HGV operators, change to the DVS represents the need for action now.
To avoid penalties and ensure continued access to London’s road network, operators should start by establishing the star ratings of their vehicles. For those with vehicles that do not meet the three-star requirement, planning for upgrades is essential.
1. Review Your Fleet’s DVS Ratings
Start by checking the DVS star ratings of all current vehicles in your fleet to see which ones may require upgrades or retrofitting under the new standards.
Not sure where to begin? We're here to help. Simply email your vehicle registration(s) to [email protected], and our team will quickly check the DVS star rating for you.
2. Plan for Equipment Upgrades
For vehicles that fall below the three-star threshold, you will need to fit an advanced vehicle safety kit, the Progressive Safe System, before applying for a DVS Safety Permit.
3. Training and Awareness
In addition to upgrading equipment, it’s crucial to provide training for drivers. Making drivers aware of these new systems and how to work them effectively can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
4. Stay Informed on Progressive Safe System Advancements
TfL DVS is constantly evolving. Staying informed about these changes will ensure that your vehicles are compliant with the latest standards. We recommend signing up to Durite’s Newsletter to get the latest updates on DVS & Industry Regulations.
The Benefits of Proactive Compliance with TfL DVS
Meeting the requirements of the latest phase of the Direct Vision Standard has provided numerous benefits for HGV operators. Those who acted early prior to the October 2024 deadline, have avoided potential fines and operational disruptions while contributing to safer roads and better protection for vulnerable road users. Proactive compliance has also enhanced fleet reputations, demonstrating a commitment to road safety, best practices, and regulatory adherence.
The latest changes to the TfL Direct Vision Standard represent a significant step forward in improving road safety across London. Ensuring your fleet remains compliant will help keep your operations running smoothly while contributing to a safer environment for all road users.
If you haven’t yet met the new DVS requirements, act now to avoid fines and disruptions. Find out how we can help you achieve compliance—contact us for more information and support with the permit application process.