Transport for London (TfL) has proposed a series of changes to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV safety permit scheme, originally introduced in 2019, which requires all operators of HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes to apply for a free permit to operate in London.

Steve MacDonald of SM UK the UK's No1 auto electrical installation company, committed to driving vehicle fleet safety, talked to us about the upcoming changes to the Direct Vision Standard, what operators need to be aware of, and what they need to do.

The changes relate to the star system and the safety systems required to be fitted to all vehicles rated at less than three stars.

For a permit to be granted, a vehicle needs to meet a minimum DVS star rating, based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows. Ratings range from zero stars (the lowest rating with poor direct vision) to five stars (the highest rating with excellent direct vision). The manufacturer will have supplied the appropriate star rating taking into account the equipment already fitted to the vehicle.

However, the changes in the scheme will raise the minimum requirements from one star to three stars with a progressive safe system needing to be fitted to lower rated vehicles. So, operators now need to be aware that vehicles which were previously compliant will need to be retro fitted with DVS compliant safety systems, before the new measures come into force in October 2024.

Proposed changes to the progressive Safe System include:

• Updating existing guidance on the use of mirrors and mirror-replacement Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS).
• The requirement for CMS fitted on vehicles to eliminate any remaining blind spots on the passenger side.
• Sensors ensuring full coverage down the passenger side of all vehicles to detect vulnerable road users. They must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles.
• Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) fitted to the front of a vehicle to prevent collisions at the frontal blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest.
• Audio warnings fitted to all vehicles, including those with left hand drive to ensure all vehicles operating in London have the ability to warn of an intended manoeuvre.

TfL don't allow any leeway, so whether or not you believe your vehicle meets the upgraded standards, you need to be sure. Check in the manufacturer's handbook as to the current rating of your vehicle, and whether you need to update your safety systems. Remember that all lorries over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London will need to hold a valid HGV safety permit from October before using the area to avoid receiving a PCN. The PCN charge is currently £550 per day, reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days. The charge is expected to rise as part of TfL's increasing safety requirements.

So, to avoid incurring charges, it is critically important to have any additional equipment fitted by a reputable supplier who is experienced in retrofitting vehicles to bring them up to the Direct Vision Standards and as importantly Type Approved.

A reputable supplier will also familiarise you and your people on the equipment, to make sure everyone makes the best use of it. After all, the standards are all about increasing visibility for your drivers, which will reduce accidents amongst your fleet and avoid the unnecessary costs involved with false insurance claims.

Without Type Approval, operators can find their vehicles fitted with equipment, which is not fit for purpose, or needing regular repair, leading to unacceptable downtime, warranties not being honoured, insurance voids and no training being given on the equipment.

Christina Calderato, TfL's director of transport strategy and policy, said:

"It's crucial that all vehicles using London's roads have safety at the forefront of their design and our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to significantly improve lorry safety.

"We will continue to take every possible measure to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from our roads, which is why we are proposingto enhance the safe systems for HGVs."

TfL estimates that these new safety requirements will be applied to around 165,000 vehicles, which is 90 per cent of the existing fleet operating in London.

For more information and to discuss what you need to do to bring your fleet up to the Direct Vision Standard, contact Chris Owen at SM UK on 0845 388 3816 or visit the web site at www.smuk.co.uk