Direct Vision (DVS) is part of the government’s Vision Zero plans to eradicate serious injuries and fatalities on the capital’s roads by 2041. The current standard legislation introduced by Transport for London (TfL) in 2019 and enforced in March 2021 states that all vehicles over 12 tonnes must obtain a safety permit when travelling through or operating in Greater London.

It’s a scheme that aims to tackle road dangers at source by minimising HGV blind spots that contribute to life-changing injuries and deaths. Originally intended to commence in October 2020, it was put back because of the challenges operators faced during the global pandemic.

How the Existing DVS Rating System Works

Under the DVS system, vehicles are given a rating of one to five stars, which corresponds to the level of visibility enjoyed by the driver through the cab windows. It determines the risk presented to vulnerable road users, like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in the vicinity.

When an HGV has a rating of 1 to 5, it’s possible to obtain a permit upon application. However, if it has a zero-star rating, a ‘progressive safe system’ must be fitted by the vehicle operator, with evidence of its installation provided when applying for a DVS permit.

Those looking to request a DVS rating for their vehicle should contact their manufacturer, quoting the chassis number (VIN) for existing trucks.

What Is a Progressive Safety System (PSS)?

So, what exactly is a PSS and how does it help to protect vulnerable road users? It’s made up of a series of components that help to provide all-round visibility. The systems used vary from truck to truck, however, they typically include:

  • Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS) to provide drivers with a wider field of vision, eliminate blind spots & reduce cognitive workload.
  • Audible Vehicle Alert Systems (AVAS) to warn of intended manoeuvres
  • Moving-Off Information Systems (MOIS) fitted to the front of the truck to prevent frontal blind zone collisions
  • Sensors to offer nearside protection for rigid trucks to prevent left-turn collisions
  • Side under-run protection on both sides of the truck
  • Prominent pictorial warning signage
  • Class V & VI mirrors

Since DVS rules were brought into place, the permit scheme and the utilisation of PSS equipment have helped to reduce serious injuries on London’s roads by 64%. During this time, more than 250,000 permits have been issued and 151,000 zero-star-rated vehicles retrofitted with the appropriate equipment.

What’s Changing in Phase 2 In October 2024?

When DVS was first introduced in 2021, this was phase one of the scheme. Phase two is set to arrive on the 25th of October 2024, ushering in some significant changes to further protect vulnerable road users. So, what can we expect to see when the changes come in next year?

There are a couple of major changes that you need to be aware of:

  • The minimum safety rating for all HGVs exceeding 12 tonnes entering and operating in Greater London is being raised from one to three stars.
  • To obtain a permit, vehicles with a star rating of zero, one or two must provide evidence that the necessary PSS has been installed and is in full working order.

The number of vehicles affected  – and needing to install a PSS – from the existing fleet of vehicles operating in London is estimated to be approximately 165,000, equating to 90%.

Driving Down Needless Road Traffic Accidents

Every serious injury and fatality on the UK’s roads is a tragedy, and Greater London’s DVS rules help to drive down needless road traffic accidents. At HGVC, we’re totally behind the scheme itself, as well as moves to tighten the rules in 2024, as anything that’s proven to protect people and save lives is worthwhile.

We continue to do our part to ensure vulnerable road users are protected by providing industry-leading, scalable HGV licence acquisition programs that have safety considerations at their core. Suitable for any size of need, our services help businesses circumvent the ongoing driver shortages with training provided by some of the most experienced and skilled instructors in the sector.

To understand more about us and how we do things, take a minute or two to browse our website, where you’ll find everything you need to know. Alternatively, to talk with us directly about how we can help you, simply click on ‘contact us’ or give us a call on 0330 818 8888, where our friendly experts are waiting to assist you in any way they can.