What is Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?
Enforced by Transport for London (TfL), The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was designed to make the streets of London safer for pedestrians and cyclists. A rating scale from zero (poor) to five stars (good) measures the drivers direct view through the windows of a HGV cab, indicating the level of risk to vulnerable road users (VRU).
Following its introduction in October 2019, The Safe System has seen a reduction in fatal collisions by 52%, where poor vision was a contributing factor. An update to the Direct Vision Standard has been announced to tighten safety standards as part of Vision Zero.
What is the new Progressive Safe System?
From October 2024, all vehicles over 12 tonnes, with a 2-star rating or lower need to be fitted with the new Progressive Safe System to operate in Greater London. A new set of vehicle safety measures will be implemented to reduce the risk HGVs present to vulnerable road users.
The scheme covers most of Greater London and is operational 24/7. To view a map of where it operates, click here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-where-and-when
What are the requirements?
Operators must ensure equipment for indirect vision, including Blind Spot and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS), is fully operational.
For zero-star rated vehicles to apply for a permit, vehicles need to be fitted with the following safety equipment.
To improve indirect vision, and help drivers see near the vehicle;
• Camera Monitoring System (CMS) to be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle to eliminate the remaining blind spot at the nearside.
• Class V and VI Mirrors must be fitted to the front and nearside of the vehicle and fitted in compliance with UNECE Regulation 46.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) with active sensors to warn the driver of vulnerable road users. The system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle in accordance with the technical specifications here https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-pss-technical-specification-bsis-september-2023-acc.pdf.
To warn road users of intended manoeuvres;
• Moving Off Information System (MOIS) to be fitted to the front of the vehicle in accordance with technical specifications for the PSS https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-pss-technical-specification-mois-acc.pdf. Vehicles that demonstrably complies with UNECE Regulation I59 will meet this requirement.
• Audible Vehicle Manoeuvring Warning to provide audible warning to vulnerable road users, when the vehicle is turning left.
• External Warning Signage should provide adequate visual warning to vulnerable road users of the hazards present around the vehicle.
To minimise the physical impact of a hazard;
• Side Under-Run Protection must be fitted both sides of the vehicle, except where this is demonstrably impractical. Must be fitted in compliance with UNECE Regulation 73 on lateral protection devices.
What happens if you don’t comply?
It is unlawful to operate without a safety permit. Implemented by a decriminalised Traffic Regulation Order, the scheme means a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £550 per day, can be issued. All lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) require a Safety Permit to operate in Greater London to avoid receiving a PCN. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras also allow vehicles to be checked with TfL’s permit database. Applying for a permit is free.
How to apply for a permit
Permits must be granted before travelling through the area. You can apply for the new PSS permits from 24th June 2024. Applying for a permit is free, to apply you will need to complete the TfL online application form which you can find here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/.