We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
WHAT IS THE DIRECT VISION STANDARD?
Following on from the Vision Zero initiative founded in Sweden, with the focus to improve the overall safety on the road and eliminate all traffic fatalities, Transport for London launched the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) safety legislation in the UK.
This was legally enforced back on 1st March 2021 and its aim is to improve road safety across Greater London for all road users, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists; and ultimately, to completely eradicate all road fatalities by 2041. The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) applies to all Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs) over 12T in weight travelling through Greater London. All vehicles must apply for a DVS Safety Permit and meet a minimum DVS star rating of one star or fit a Safe System, in order to avoid a penalty of up to £550 per day.
From 28th October 2024, all 0-2 DVS star rated HGVs over 12T travelling through Great London must fit a Progressive Safe System (PSS) before applying for a DVS Safety Permit.
What is the DVS Safe System?
From 1st March 2021 to 27th October 2024, all zero star rated HGVs over 12T travelling through Greater London, a DVS Safe System must be in place to cover the vehicle’s left-side blind spot (for right-hand drive vehicle), where most fatal collisions occur.
As well as sideguard and mirrors, the DVS Safe System includes a camera monitoring kit providing indirect vision where direct vision is lacking, a proactive warning system (visual and audible) to actively warn the driver about the potential hazards on the left side of the vehicle. A left turn alarm is also required as part of the DVS Safe System to warn vulnerable road users when the vehicle is turning left to prevent accidents from happening.
*Please note: From 28th October 2024, HGVs over 12T with 2-star or less must install a Progressive Safe System (PSS), and have a valid DVS Safety Permit when travelling through Greater London.
What is the DVS Star rating?
A DVS star rating is given to HGVs based on how much a driver can see directly through the windows (direct vision).
HGVs with a DVS star rating less than three, and therefore limited direct vision, must fit a Progressive Safe System (PSS) before applying for their DVS Safety Permit. To find out your HGV’s star rating, just go to the DVS star rating checker on TfL or contact your vehicle manufacturer to retrieve the information.
Click here for your manufacturer’s contact details.
Applying for a DVS Safety Permit
Once a DVS star rating for the HGV has been identified, applying for a DVS Safety Permit could not be easier. The permit is free, just go to the DVS TfL portal and use their easy online form and follow the following steps.
1. Fill in the Operator and Contact details.
2. For zero-star rated HGVS, upload photographic evidence to show the DVS Safe System.
3. Submit your application. You should hear back from TfL in the next 30 days.
MANUFACTURERS FOR YOUR DVS STAR RATING
If TfL doesn't have your HGV DVS Star Rating, you can request it from your vehicle manufacturer.
- DAF [email protected]
- DENNIS EAGLE www.dennis-eagle.co.uk/USV
- MAN [email protected]
- RENAULT [email protected]
- SCANIA [email protected]
- VOLVO [email protected]
- MERCEDES-BENZ [email protected]
- IVECO [email protected]