8th February 2021

Direct Vision Standard safety requirements for HGV’s entering London

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has been developed in consultation with an expert panel of researchers, academics, freight industry manufacturers and regulatory bodies in order to address the high number of collisions in London involving HGVs, and people walking and cycling. From the 1st March 2021, all HGVs more than 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) will require a new HGV safety permit to operate in Greater London. The scheme will be enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The DVS objectively measures a driver’s direct view through the windows of an HGV cab. This is communicated as a star rating from zero (poor) to five (excellent), which indicates the level of risk to people walking and cycling near the vehicle. Operators must submit their vehicle star rating to demonstrate compliance with the DVS system safety measures and apply for a permit.

Are my vehicles compliant?

To check whether TfL holds a star rating for your vehicle visit: tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit. If the star rating is not available, then phone or email your vehicle manufacturer (DAF / Mercedes / Scania / Volvo) with the VIN number of your HGV.

If your vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating, you will be able to apply for a permit on the Transport for London website.

If your vehicle does not meet the minimum DVS star rating, you will need to meet the following ‘Safe System’ requirements to be granted a permit. These can be retro fitted to your vehicle.

• Class V mirror must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
• Class VI mirror must be fitted to the front of the vehicle.
• Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle (except where this is impractical or proves to be impossible).
• External pictorial stickers and markings must be displayed on the vehicle to warn vulnerable road users of the hazards around the vehicle.
• A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.
• Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning must be fitted to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left.
• A fully operational camera monitoring system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.

Operators of vehicles rated at one star or above are also encouraged to fit voluntarily the supplementary safety features listed above.

Trailer Safety

SDC can offer a range of safety-first options which can be fitted across our trailer range to reduce the risk to people walking or cycling:

• Sideguard infills
• Warning decals
• Warning lamps and sidelights
• Sensor systems
• Audible warning systems
• Reverse camera systems

Our technical sales team are on hand to offer advice on any of the above systems and how they can be applied to your trailer fleet.

For more information email SDC: sales@sdctrailers.com or call 01623 625 354.