In an effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was implemented in London in March 2021 The DVS requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to have a safety permit in order to operate in Greater London This permit is based on the level of visibility a driver has from the cab of their vehicle, with a star rating system ranging from zero to five stars Vehicles with a rating of zero will not be permitted to operate in the city.
The goal of the DVS is to increase visibility for drivers and reduce blind spots, making it easier for them to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users This is especially important in urban areas where vulnerable road users are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents with large vehicles By improving visibility, the DVS aims to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by HGVs.
Compliance with the DVS is crucial for all HGV operators in London to ensure the safety of everyone on the road This includes not only obtaining the necessary permit but also making any required modifications to vehicles to improve visibility Here are some key steps to ensure HGV DVS compliance:
1 Apply for a permit: The first step in achieving DVS compliance is to apply for a safety permit from Transport for London (TfL) This can be done online through the TfL website, where operators will need to provide information about their vehicles and their level of visibility The permit is valid for five years and must be renewed before it expires.
2 Check your vehicle’s star rating: Each vehicle will be assigned a star rating based on its level of visibility from the cab Vehicles with a rating of zero will not be granted a permit and can only operate in London if they have additional safety measures in place, such as cameras and sensors HGV DVS Compliance. It is important for operators to know their vehicles’ star ratings and take steps to improve visibility if necessary.
3 Make necessary modifications: If a vehicle has a low star rating or is rated as zero, operators will need to make modifications to improve visibility This may include installing additional mirrors, sensors, or cameras to eliminate blind spots and make it easier for drivers to see their surroundings These modifications must be carried out by an approved installer to ensure they meet DVS requirements.
4 Train your drivers: In addition to making vehicle modifications, operators must also ensure that their drivers are trained on how to safely operate HGVs in urban environments This may include teaching them how to use new safety features, navigate crowded streets, and interact with vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians Training can help prevent accidents and ensure that drivers are aware of the risks associated with operating large vehicles in busy areas.
5 Maintain compliance: Once a safety permit is obtained and all necessary modifications are made, operators must continue to comply with the DVS to avoid penalties This includes keeping permits up to date, conducting regular vehicle checks, and ensuring that drivers are following safe driving practices Failure to comply with the DVS can result in fines, penalties, and even the revocation of permits.
Overall, ensuring HGV DVS compliance is essential for promoting road safety and reducing accidents involving HGVs in urban areas By taking the necessary steps to improve visibility, train drivers, and maintain compliance with the DVS, operators can help create safer roads for everyone The DVS is just one step towards making our roads safer, and it is crucial for all HGV operators to do their part in improving road safety for all.