Direct Vision Standard 2024
Ensure fleet compliance with new Direct Vision Standard regulations, coming into effect in October 2024.
DVS aims to prevent fatalities and serious injuries caused by HGVs in contact with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists on London's roads.
What is DVS?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a safety regulation established by Transport for London (TFL). It mandates that all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) weighing over 12 tonnes (load inclusive) must obtain a safety permit to operate or enter Greater London. The scheme was finalised in March 2021 to enhance the safety of all road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
The Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme are part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.
HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London that do not meet the required three-star rating will need to install a Progressive Safe System by 28 October 2024.
The Direct Vision Standard measures the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, by assessing the amount of direct visibility an HGV driver has through their cab windows.
Moving Off Information (MOIS)
Vehicles must have front sensors to detect pedestrians or cyclists in their blind spot up to 2m ahead. The system should recognise vulnerable road users and not get activated by street furniture or parked vehicles. Additionally, guidelines define error notifications and when to issue information or warning signals while at rest or manoeuvring.
Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)
Vehicles must have a blind spot information system that detects vulnerable road users. The range should be 2m high, 2.2m to the side, and 9m to the back. The system must be active at all speeds up to 30 km/h and issue warnings regardless of turn signal status.
Camera Monitoring System
Camera systems fitted on vehicles must eliminate any remaining blind spots, providing a visual alert of an approaching vulnerable road user and preventing collisions in the blind spot area.
Audio Warnings
Audio warnings must be fitted to all vehicles, including those with left-hand drive, to ensure all vehicles can warn VRU of an intended manoeuvre.
Warning Signage
Warning signage requirements remain unchanged.
Under-run Protection
Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle, except where this is demonstrably impractical.
Class V and VI mirrors
Class V and VI mirrors, or a camera monitoring system that replaces the mirrors, or a combination of both, must be fitted to the front and nearside of the vehicle.
If you do not follow these requirements, you may be liable for a penalty charge notice of up to £550. This includes not adequately fitting or maintaining the Safe System or PSS equipment on your vehicle where required to do so.
It is mandatory for all lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London to hold a valid HGV safety permit to avoid receiving a PCN, regardless of whether the operator considers the vehicle to meet the standards. Vehicles rated below the minimum star rating to operate in London must fit the Progressive Safe System to mitigate limited direct vision. The HGV Safety Permit Scheme applies to most of Greater London and is operational 24/7, every day of the year. You can apply for a permit free of charge.
Progressive Safe System
The DVS star rating of all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) included in the Safety Permit Scheme is determined by the DVS rating scale, which ranges from zero to five stars. Starting from October 28, 2024, HGVs will need to have a minimum star rating of three to obtain a permit without a Progressive Safe System condition. This is a higher requirement compared to the current minimum one-star rating for fitting the Safe System.
Modifying your vehicle's star rating isn't feasible as it's set during manufacturing and cannot be adjusted with aftermarket additions. Installing the Progressive Safe System is necessary to address restricted direct vision for vehicles rated below the minimum required for operation in London.
“Zero, one- and two-star permits granted before 24 June 2024 are valid until midnight on 27 October 2024, by which these permit holders will need to have applied for a safety permit to demonstrate that their vehicle meets the new Progressive Safe System requirements to operate in London. We will begin to accept applications under the new requirements from 24 June 2024 for vehicles that will need a permit with a PSS condition. These permits will be valid until midnight on 28 October 2030. Existing permits (with a Safe System condition) for these vehicles will remain valid until their stated expiry date, at midnight on 27 October 2024. We will publicise details about the process for registering your vehicles on our website and other appropriate channels when registration opens”. - Transport for London.
DVS Stage II Kit
Our telematics solutions can offer high-quality products that enhance the safety of vehicles, reducing the number of road incidents. We can meet the requirements for the DVS and implement a progressive safety system that allows for the smooth operation of your vehicle ahead of the new regulations.
Kit included:
- MOIS
- BSIS
- Left Turn Alarm
- Internal Pedestrian Alarms
- Camera Monitoring System
- Warning Signage
It is important to discuss each solution to tailor it to your needs. However, please note that this kit is designed to help you meet the TFL requirements based on the current guidelines, it is not a guarantee and we encourage you to do your research.