Tougher direct vision standards in force for London

Transport for London (TfL) has strengthened the rules for the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which measures how much the driver of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) can see directly through their cab windows.

HGVs more than 12 tonnes will now require a minimum three-star DVS rating or to fit an updated system of enhanced safety features – the Progressive Safe System (PSS) – to operate in Greater London.

Operators will receive a penalty charge notice of up to £550 if they operate an HGV over 12 tonnes in Greater London without a valid HGV safety permit, or do not meet the permit conditions.

The DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme is a key part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network and this next phase of the scheme harnesses new technology to make London’s roads safer.

The PSS has been designed to eliminate the most common causes of fatal collisions between an HGV and those who walk and cycle where vision is a factor, such as when a vehicle moves off from stationary or is turning left.

Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy, said: “Since we introduced London’s pioneering Direct Vision Standard, we have seen a significant reduction in fatal collisions where vision is a factor in the capital. However, there is much more we need to do, to achieve our goal of eradicating deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network. It’s vital that all vehicles using London’s roads have safety at the forefront of their design and we're excited that from today HGVs operating in the capital will become even safer.”

She added: “We’d also like to thank the freight industry for their work helping to ensure that vehicles fit the new safety requirements.”

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