In an effort to improve road safety and reduce fatal collisions involving HGVs, the Mayor of London introduced the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in 2019. This standard requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to meet specific safety requirements in order to obtain a safety permit. The goal of the DVS is to minimize blind spots and ensure that drivers have a direct line of sight from their cabs to the road.
While the DVS primarily targets individual HGVs, fleet operators should also pay close attention to this standard. Fleet operators are responsible for managing a large number of vehicles, and ensuring that each vehicle meets the DVS requirements can be a daunting task. However, by prioritizing safety and investing in the necessary upgrades, fleet operators can maintain compliance with the DVS and contribute to safer roads for all.
One of the key components of the DVS is the star rating system, which assigns a rating based on the level of direct vision a driver has from their cab. Vehicles are rated on a scale from zero to five stars, with zero stars indicating the lowest level of visibility and five stars indicating the highest. In order to obtain a safety permit, vehicles must meet a minimum star rating of one star, with additional requirements for vehicles that fall below this threshold.
Fleet operators should assess the star ratings of each vehicle in their fleet and prioritize upgrades for vehicles with lower ratings. Upgrades may include installing additional mirrors, sensors, or cameras to improve visibility and reduce blind spots. By investing in these upgrades, fleet operators can ensure that their vehicles meet the minimum safety requirements of the DVS and reduce the risk of collisions on the road.
In addition to the star rating system, the DVS also includes requirements for warning signage and audible alerts on HGVs. Vehicles must display warning signs indicating that they have blind spots, and audible alerts must be installed to warn pedestrians and cyclists when a vehicle is turning left. Fleet operators should ensure that all vehicles in their fleet are equipped with the necessary signage and alerts to meet these requirements.
To help fleet operators navigate the DVS requirements, Transport for London (TfL) offers a range of resources and support. TfL provides guidance on how to assess a vehicle’s star rating, as well as a list of approved safe systems that can be installed to improve visibility. Fleet operators can also access training sessions and workshops to learn more about the DVS and how to comply with its requirements.
While the DVS currently applies only to vehicles operating in London, fleet operators across the UK should take note of this standard and consider implementing similar safety measures in their own operations. By prioritizing safety and investing in the necessary upgrades, fleet operators can demonstrate their commitment to road safety and reduce the risk of collisions involving their vehicles.
Ultimately, the fleet Direct Vision Standard represents a significant step forward in improving road safety and protecting vulnerable road users. Fleet operators play a crucial role in ensuring that their vehicles meet the requirements of the DVS and contribute to safer roads for all. By investing in upgrades and prioritizing safety, fleet operators can navigate the DVS with confidence and help create a safer environment for everyone on the road.