What is Direct Vision Standard?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for HGVs is part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
The Direct Vision Standard will be implemented and enforced by TfL and measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling near the vehicle.
How can RS Connect help with DVS Systems?
At RS Connect we have extensive experience in supplying and installing DVS systems on a range of HGV vehicles and are available to provide advice on what is needed to be compliant with the new regulations. We have been liaising with TfL throughout the process, and are specialists in all areas of the regulations. The DVS systems – including installation – provided by RS Connect start from £795 Ex VAT per system. We can provide D1, HD or Full HD Blind Spot cameras as part of the DVS System.
What are DVS star ratings?
The legislation is based on what is termed a “Star rating” of the vehicle. This measures a driver’s direct view through the windows of an HGV cab. This is catalogued as part of a star rating from zero (poor) to five (excellent). Every vehicle manufacturer will issue a star rating for your vehicle.
HGVs that do not meet the minimum requirement of one star will need to comply with the Safe System which requires the installation of additional devices as part of an indirect vision system. Complying with the Safe System will not alter the vehicle’s overall star rating but will permit you to drive into the Greater London Area without incurring a fine.
Each RS Connect DVS Compliance Kit will consist of the following items:
After completion of the installation, we will take the required photographs and forward them to the customer so that the permit can be easily applied.
DVS Requirements
Any new equipment or technology proposed for the Progressive Safe System must be retrofittable to HGVs, industry-recognised and readily available on the market at the time.
From October 2024, HGVs rated below three stars will need to feature the Progressive Safe System.
Vehicles that have a Three, Four and Five-star rating will be granted a 10-year permit.
Frequently asked questions about DVS (Direct Vision Standard)
Below is a map outlining the area covered by the Greater London Area. If any of your vehicle fleet enters the area illustrated above will need the DVS system to avoid fines, even if you’re just passing through.
The DVS regulations are already in place and applicable to all HGVs over 7.5 tonnes entering Greater London, as of October 26th 2020. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic enforcement (and fines) have been delayed until March 1st 2021
Once enforcement starts at the beginning of March 2021, if you drive an HGV within the Greater London area without a valid permit you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days). There is also a fine for the driver of £130.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will detect a vehicle which will be checked against the TfL database.
TfL can also revoke or suspend a permit if a vehicle that has been granted a permit is later found to be in breach of the permit terms. It is therefore important that the DVS Safe System is correctly installed as any element that does not comply could lead to a suspension of the permit. The side scan sensors must work even if the vehicle is not turning left. Even if the vehicle is rated as Five Stars it is imperative that a permit is applied for.
Check whether TfL holds a star rating for your vehicle by visiting the TfL website.
If the star rating is not available, then contact us for assistance.
If your vehicle is rated One, Two, Three, Four or Five stars then you can apply for a permit immediately. Bear in mind applications can take up over a month.
If your vehicle is rated as Zero Star you will need to fit additional safety equipment to comply with the Safe System.
This includes the following elements:
As soon as the system is fitted with the equipment you can apply for the permit.
HGV operators will need to apply for a permit for their vehicles. The permit is free of charge and there is no requirement to display anything in the vehicle – all enforcement is via ANPR. To apply for a permit: follow this link.
The duration of the HGV Safety Permit depends on whether the vehicle meets the minimum DVS requirements or if it was granted an exemption to the Safe System.
Zero, One and Two-star vehicles with an approved Safe System will be granted a permit until October 2024 when the progressive system will be required. The Safe System will be reviewed and consulted on in 2022 and will consider any additional technology or safety equipment not currently available.
ALL goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will require a permit to drive into the Greater London area, this includes vehicles registered from outside of the UK. To apply for the permit is free of charge but does require two photographs. Cars, vans, buses and coaches are not part of the DVS regulations – just trucks over 12 tonnes. Not sure, send us a message and we will be glad to assist you with this.
The existing Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations and has been around for over ten years. Its aim is to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. You can check out our comprehensive information pack on FORS here for more details.
Becoming a FORS member can bring you the peace of mind that your company is managing its work-related road risk (WRRR) – and demonstrates to your customers and supply chain your commitment to exceeding the industry standard. You can find out more here.
The scheme starts at the Bronze level, then on to Silver and finally Gold. Several companies and projects such as HS2 are demanding that any vehicle that wants to access a site must have FORS Silver accreditation.
Vehicles with FORS Silver accreditation also satisfy the demands of the DVS requirements but must apply for the permit independently. Vehicles accredited with FORS Bronze do not necessarily satisfy the DVS requirement and should check with RS Connect as to what may be required.
For companies looking to have a FORS Silver system fitted or are looking to have a DVR system fitted at the same time, please contact us for more information. Alternatively, use our installation page to let us know and someone will get back to you
If you have any questions about how the DVS system works, about the potential timelines or any questions about installations and vehicle tech, please contact our team now.
You can also download our full guide to the DVS, which features more detail on the specifics of the regulations, their enforcement and mitigating technologies.
How we help fleet managers with the direct vision standard
Take a look at some projects below and see how we have supported customers every step of the way from assessing their fleet, hardware selection and installation. Get in touch with us today for more information
How a Local Transport Company Upgraded Their Fleet with DVS Safe System by RS Connect
Lux Don Tur SRL
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Difference between Direct Vision Standard andFORS Silver
Customers usually ask what the difference between these forms of fleet compliance are. DVS as defined by TfL requires a camera looking down the blind spot side of the vehicle connected to a monitor and side scan sensors fitted down the length of a rigid or a tractor unit, coupled with a turn left alarm. As is the case with DVS, the FORS Silver minimum requires a camera that monitors the near-side vehicle blind spot, monitor, side scan sensors and turn left alarm to be fitted to all HGV vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Confused by the differences between DVS and FORS Silver? Find out more here.