London, UK: The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Phase Two comes into effect across Greater London today. The new standards aim to reduce road accidents, improve safety, and ensure that London’s roads are accessible to vulnerable road users.
Under the new rules, all lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes will be given a star rating between 0 and 5. HGVs rated 0 stars have the most limited direct vision, while those with the highest levels of direct vision earn a 5 star rating. If operators have a 0, 1 or 2 star-rated vehicle, Transport for London says that operators have to fit a Progressive Safe System* to qualify for the new HGV safety permit.
There is a grace period which runs until 4th May 2025, for operators to carry out the updates.
If operators do not comply they could be handed a penalty charge notice (PCN). The PCN can go up to £550, and TfL can revoke it or suspend it if they have reason to.
*According to TfL’s website the Progressive Safe System has a number of requirements. They include:
- 1: A Camera Monitoring System (CMS) must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle, to eliminate the remaining blind spot at the nearside. A CMS can also be used as an alternative to fitting Class V and VI mirrors
- 2: Class V and VI mirrors, or a CMS that replaces the mirrors, or a combination of both, must be fitted to the front and nearside of the vehicle
- 3: A Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) must ensure full coverage down the nearside of the vehicle to detect vulnerable road users. It must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. This aims to prevent left turn collisions
- 4: A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) must be fitted to the front of the vehicle, to warn the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user and prevent collisions at the front blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest
- 5: Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle, except where this would not be practicable
- 6: Audible warnings must be fitted to provide an adequate warning to road users when a vehicle is turning left (or turning right, for left-hand drive vehicles). This makes sure that compliant vehicles can warn of an intended manoeuvre
- 7: External warning signage must be displayed on vehicles to provide clear visual warning of the hazards around the vehicle.