Understanding the Direct Vision Standard: A Comprehensive Guide

March 9, 2023

HGV on London street with bus behind

All about TfL’s new regulations affecting all HGVs over 12 tonnes

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. You can get the full details on DVS from our experts.

The Safe System

Safe System Requirements
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:
Class V and VI mirrors
front view of mirror on yellow hgv

Class V mirror shall be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle

Class VI mirror shall be fitted to the front of the vehicle

Sideguards

Sideguards fitted to both sides of the vehicle unless this is impractical or proves to be impossible

illustration of safe system on hgv
Camera monitoring system for the
nearside

Camera monitoring systems must aim to completely eliminate or minimise the remaining vehicle blind spot at the nearside as far as is practical and possible.

illustration of camera monitoring system

It is recommended that sensors on rigid vehicles and articulated tractor units have coverage six metres down the nearside or one metre from the rear of the vehicle (or tractor unit), whichever is smaller.

Sensor system with driver alert left turn audible alarm

A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle

Safe system illustration with sensors and left turn alarm

Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning must be fitted to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left

Warning signage

As soon as the system is fitted with the equipment you can apply for the permit

rear and side view of hgv

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DVS

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 using the form below.

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 using the form below or via email: sales@rsconnect.com or call 01675 624 035.

Free Guide to DVS

Free DVS information guide

You can also download our full guide to the DVS here. This FREE Direct Vision Standard which features

  • more detail on the specifics of the regulations
  • Enforcement
  • Mitigation Technologies

Progressive Safe System

The Safe System will be reviewed and consulted on in 2023 and will take into account any additional technology or safety equipment not currently available.

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.

Changes to the HGV Safety Permit Scheme

Transport for London (TfL) is proposing changes to the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Safety Permit Scheme to reduce the risks that these vehicles pose to vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposed Progressive Safe System (PSS) builds on the existing 2019 Safe System and ensures that London HGV operators use the latest safety technology and equipment to make streets safer. Among the proposals are mandating Camera Monitoring Systems, improving detection of vulnerable road users, and requiring Moving Off Information Systems.

The consultation is open for feedback until April 3, 2023, and the new scheme will be enforced from October 2024. The proposed changes aim to help London achieve its Vision Zero target of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries from its streets by 2041.

You can have your say on the consultation here.

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