At Alltruck plc, we are dedicated to keeping our customers informed and prepared about key industry changes that affect their operations. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the latest updates, how they impact your fleet, and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.
Our goal is to help you navigate these changes smoothly and maintain compliance to keep your business running safely and efficiently.
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) 2024 refers to updated safety regulations set by Transport for London for HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These regulations are designed to improve road safety by enhancing the visibility of HGVs to decrease the number of accidents, by reducing blind spots and increasing driver visibility of vulnerable road users.
This DVS update is a response to the Road Safety Data, which shows HGVs are involved in many fatal collisions, and through technological advancements in safety equipment to alert drivers ahead of potential incidents and significantly reduce the risk. This not only enhances safety and improves ease of operation, but also reduces stress and liability for drivers when operating in congested urban areas.
The DVS changes are part of a broader initiative to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries under London’s Vision Zero policy, which aims to make London’s streets safer for all road users, especially vulnerable groups like cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists
The 2024 updates to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) apply to:
• The HGV Owners and Operators: Any company or individual operating HGVs over 12 tonnes in Greater London
• Transport and Logistics Companies: Businesses that operate fleets of HGVs, especially those frequently entering London
Drivers must be aware of the new safety features such as blind spot sensors, camera monitoring systems, and audible warning devices, which may require additional training to operate the new equipment effectively.
The enhanced safety features will reduce the need for constant manual checking of mirrors, allowing drivers to focus more on the road ahead.
There are 4 key elements to understand about DVS to take away from this guide.
1. A higher Star Rating is now required:
From October 28, 2024, HGVs must have a minimum 3 star DVS rating to operate in Greater London. Previously, vehicles with a 1 star rating were allowed with additional safety features.
2. A Progressive Safe System (PSS) is required for those under 3 stars:
If your vehicle falls below 3 stars it must be fitted with a system of advanced safety features, known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS). Below is a list of the changes to the star rating and the progressive safe system.
This system includes several components such as:
• Camera Monitoring Systems (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).
• 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.
• Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) are required to be fitted to the vehicle nearside in accordance with UNECE regulations 151.
• Moving-Off Information Systems (MOIS) 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.
• Side under-run protection Under-run side protection must be present on both sides; except where this is impractical due to vehicle type; fitted in accordance with UNECE regulation 73.
• 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.
• Warning signage must be displayed on the vehicle.
3. Permits must be applied for:
HGVs will need to apply for new permits if their current rating is below three stars, with the transition deadline set for October 27, 2024. After this date, vehicles will need to meet the updated standards or face penalties.
4. Non-Compliance Penalties:
The penalties for non-compliance with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) 2024 updates are the following:
• A daily penalty charge of £550 per vehicle for non-compliance.
• If the fine is paid promptly, it may be reduced to £275.
If you operate within Greater London and your vehicle is rated 2 stars or below on the DVS scale, you will need to install updated safety features to apply for a safety permit. Meeting these new standards helps maintain a smooth operation without the risk of financial repercussions.
If you have any questions or need assistance with DVS compliance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 0116 402 1800 or enquiries@alltruckplc.co.uk
Illustration image from: the DVS Guidance For Operators document produced by TfL.