DVS & PSS

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a set of regulations developed by Transport for London (TfL) to improve the safety of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) operating within Greater London. The DVS measures and rates the level of direct vision an HGV driver has from their cab, assigning a star rating from zero (poor visibility) to five (excellent visibility). Vehicles with higher ratings reduce blind spots and enhance the driver's ability to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, thereby increasing overall road safety.

Revised Star Rating System: Updated star ratings that reflect the latest in vehicle design and safety enhancements. The DVS rates HGVs based on the driver's direct vision from the cab. This is a measure of how much the driver can see directly, rather than through mirrors or cameras.

Safety Permit: To operate in Greater London, HGVs over 12 tonnes must obtain a DVS safety permit. The permit is granted based on the vehicle's star rating and additional safety measures.

Stricter Compliance Requirements: Initially, vehicles with a one-star rating or higher could operate without additional modifications. However, starting from March 2024, vehicles will need at least a three-star rating or an approved safe system to be permitted. Enhanced criteria for achieving higher star ratings to ensure that only the safest vehicles are granted permits.

Safe System: For vehicles that do not meet the minimum star rating, operators must fit the vehicle with a safe system. This can include additional safety features such as sensors, cameras, and audible warnings to compensate for blind spots.

Expanded Coverage: Inclusion of new vehicle categories and expanded geographical coverage within Greater London.

HGV Operators: Businesses that operate HGVs over 12 tonnes in Greater London must comply with the DVS regulations to avoid fines and penalties. This includes logistics companies, construction firms, and any other businesses using large trucks.

HGV Manufacturers: Truck manufacturers need to ensure their vehicles meet the required direct vision standards to be competitive in the London market. This may involve redesigning cabs or integrating additional safety technologies.

Drivers: HGV drivers must be aware of and adhere to the new safety requirements, ensuring their vehicles are compliant with the DVS regulations.

Freight and Logistics Sector: The entire sector must adapt to the new regulations, which may involve investing in newer, safer vehicles or retrofitting existing fleets with the necessary safety systems.

The Permit for Safety Scheme (PSS) is an integral part of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) regulations introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve road safety in Greater London. This scheme requires all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes to obtain a safety permit, ensuring that only vehicles meeting specific safety standards are allowed on London’s roads. By mandating the use of the latest safety technology and features, the PSS aims to reduce the risk of accidents involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, thereby complementing the DVS.

Regulatory Framework:

• The Permit for Safety Scheme is the enforcement mechanism for the DVS regulations. It ensures that only vehicles meeting the direct vision requirements or equipped with appropriate Safe Systems are allowed to operate in Greater London.

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Mandatory Requirement: It is mandatory for all HGVs over 12 tonnes to have a safety permit to enter and operate within Greater London.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Vehicles operating without a permit face significant fines and penalties, with enforcement carried out through a network of cameras and on-road inspections.

Safety Improvements:

• Reducing Blind Spots: By mandating higher direct vision standards and Safe Systems, the scheme aims to reduce blind spots and improve the driver’s ability to see vulnerable road users.

• Preventing Accidents: The ultimate goal is to prevent accidents and improve overall road safety by ensuring that HGVs are equipped with the necessary technologies to enhance visibility and awareness.