Get Ready for the 2024 Direct Vision Standard Changes for HGVs!

What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?

Let’s refresh our memories of what the Direct Vision Standard is all about. DVS was introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve road safety, especially for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. It focuses on how much a driver can see directly from their vehicle.

HGV operators must comply with DVS requirements, obtain permits and invest in safety measures to improve visibility around their vehicles. This initiative primarily affects HGV drivers operating within the Greater London area, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why the Change in 2024?

The changes in 2024 are all about continuing to make our roads even safer. The DVS requirements are being updated to ensure that HGVs are equipped with the latest safety features, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents involving large vehicles.

What are the DVS Changes?

From October 2024, HGVs over 12 tonnes that enter or operate in Greater London will require a minimum of three-star DVS ratings – currently, DVS states vehicles with one star or more can apply for a safety permit to operate in London.

If your vehicle falls below this it must be fitted with a system of updated safety features, also known as the progressive safe system (PSS). Below is a list of the changes to the star rating and the progressive safe system.

The DVS Star Rating system

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 new safety permit to demonstrate that their vehicle meets the new PSS requirements.  to operate in London.

If your vehicle meets the relevant minimum DVS star rating, you will be issues a permit on application.

PSS (The progressive safe system)

The summary of the requirements under the PSS are:

1. Camera Monitoring System (CMS): A camera monitoring system must be fitted, regardless of whether there are mirrors fitted to the vehicle. Also, an in-cab monitor must be positioned close to a window edge or existing mirror location (without obscuring the view through the window).
2. Mirrors: Class V and VI mirrors or a camera monitoring system which replaces the mirrors, must be fitted to the front & nearside; fitted in compliance with UNECE Regulation 46.
3. Blind spot sensors are required to be fitted to the vehicle nearside in accordance with UNECE regulations 151.
4. Moving off information systems (MOIS) sensors: the vehicle must have MOIS fitted to the front of the vehicle in accordance with UNECE regulations 151 which helps to prevent any collisions in the frontal blind spot zone.
5. Under-run side protection on both sides; except where this is impractical due to vehicle type; fitted in accordance with UNECE regulation 73.
6. Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning: the audio warning must be fitted to all vehicles including those with left-hand drive. This helps to ensure all vehicles that operate in London can warn others of an intended manoeuvre.
7. Warning signage must be displayed on the vehicle.

How will these DVS Changes affect Alltruck customers?

If you drive a vehicle that is 12 tonne or more within Greater London and your vehicle is rated 2 stars or below on the DVS star rating scale, you will need to install an update safety feature for a permit to be granted.

The threshold star rating for vehicles to receive a permit without a PSS condition will be three stars from 28 October 2024, higher than the current one star for fitting the Safe System.

Need any help with the DVS requirements?

At Alltruck our mission statement is “protecting value.” By checking our updates and requirements for HGVs it allows our customers to have peace of mind knowing that their vehicles are meeting all safety requirements.

So, mark your calendars for October 2024, and let’s hit the road safely. If you have any questions or need assistance with DVS compliance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on 0116 402 1800 or enquiries@alltruckplc.co.uk More information on the requirements will follow on our blogs on our website and social media channels.

Image from: the DVS Guidance For Operators document produced by TfL.