As of 28th October 2024, new regulations under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) will come into effect, significantly impacting HGV operators in London. The introduction of the Progressive Safe System (PSS) aims to enhance road safety by imposing stricter requirements for HGVs. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.
Looking to purchase a DVS System? See the kits that we have available to purchase here.
What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is an innovative safety initiative launched by Transport for London (TfL) aimed at reducing accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Introduced to improve road safety in the capital, the DVS assesses the direct line of sight that a driver has from their cab, giving vehicles a star rating from zero to five based on how much the driver can see directly through their windows.
Vehicles that do not meet the minimum safety requirements must be fitted with additional safety features to obtain a permit for operating within Greater London. This standard is part of the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041. Further guidance on DVS can be found on the TfL website.
What is the Progressive Safe System (PSS)?
The Progressive Safe System (PSS) is an enhanced version of the existing Safe System and represents a crucial advancement in the DVS aimed at improving the safety of HGVs operating in London.
From 28th October 2024, HGVs with a DVS rating below three stars must adhere to these enhanced requirements to ensure the safety of all road users, particularly vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists. If your vehicle falls into this category, you must retrofit specific safety features to continue operating in Greater London.
What are the Key Requirements of the PSS?
Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS):
Installation: The cameras should be strategically placed to cover the largest possible blind spot, providing the driver with a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Benefits: CMS can be used as an alternative to fitting Class V and VI mirrors, reducing the risk of collisions with vulnerable road users.
Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS):
Functionality: BSIS typically uses sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide visual or auditory warnings to the driver.
Benefits: By providing real-time alerts, BSIS helps prevent accidents caused by blind spot-related incidents, enhancing overall road safety.
Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS):
Installation: These systems are usually integrated with the vehicle’s existing sensors and cameras to provide comprehensive coverage.
Benefits: MOIS reduces the risk of accidents during vehicle start-up, a critical moment when drivers may not have a clear view of the area around their HGV.
Side Under-Run Protection:
Installation: These barriers must be robust and capable of withstanding significant impact forces.
Benefits: By preventing under-run incidents, these devices significantly reduce the severity of injuries in collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users.
Warning Signage:
Requirements: The signage must meet specific size and visibility standards to ensure it is effective in all lighting conditions.
Benefits: Warning signs increase awareness among vulnerable road users, encouraging them to stay clear of dangerous areas around the vehicle.
For more detailed technical specifications and guidance on the PSS, HGV operators can refer to the TfL's DVS guidance for operators.
What do I need to do to be compliant with the PSS?
Check Your Vehicle's Star Rating:
Contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain the DVS star rating. You will need to provide the chassis number (VIN) to get this information.
Retrofit Required Safety Features:
If your vehicle is rated below three stars, you must install the required PSS features. Ensure that all retrofitted systems meet the performance standards specified by TfL.
Apply for an HGV Safety Permit:
Once your vehicle meets the PSS requirements, apply for the updated HGV safety permit. This permit is mandatory for operating within Greater London.
Submit Safety Evidence Photos:
Provide clear, colour photos showing the installed safety features. Ensure the vehicle registration mark is visible in these photos. Upload these as part of your permit application.
Stay Informed on Exemptions:
Some vehicles, such as those used for specific types of construction work or those carrying abnormal loads, may be partially or fully exempt from certain requirements. To see if your vehicle qualifies, check the list of exemptions.
Maintain Compliance:
Regularly check and maintain all safety systems to ensure ongoing compliance with the PSS requirements. Notify TfL of any changes in vehicle configuration or ownership to keep your permit valid.
How long will my permit last for?
|
Vehicle DVS rating |
Prior to 27 October 2024 |
From 28 October 2024 |
Safety measures required |
|
0 |
Expires at midnight on 27 October 2024 |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
Safe System until midnight on 27 October 2024, PSS from midnight 28 October 2024 onwards |
|
1 |
Expires at midnight on 27 October 2024 |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
PSS from midnight 28 October 2024 onwards |
|
2 |
Expires at midnight on 27 October 2024 |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
PSS from midnight 28 October 2024 onwards |
|
3 |
Valid for 10 years from issue |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
Recommended, not compulsory |
|
4 |
Valid for 10 years from issue |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
Recommended, not compulsory |
|
5 |
Valid for 10 years from issue |
Expires at midnight on 28 October 2030 |
Recommended, not compulsory |
By retrofitting these safety features, HGV operators can ensure they are prepared for the new regulations coming into force in October 2024 and contribute to creating a safer urban environment for everyone.
Guidance for the grace period
In July 2024, a six month grace period was confirmed. Here's everything you need to know about the grace period and how it might affect you.
The grace period will run for six months from 28 October 2024 to 4 May 2025, ending at 23:59.
You can apply to receive the grace period for specific vehicles if you think you will need more time to install the new safety measures required as part of the Progressive Safe System. If your application is successful, you will have additional time to install the Progressive Safe System and obtain an HGV safety permit.
The duration of the grace period was confirmed in July 2024 with our partners at London Councils.
Receiving the grace period is not automatic. If you wish to apply for it you will need to:
- Make an application for the specific vehicle you wish to receive the grace period for. You will need a London Road User Charging account to use this service
- Provide evidence that you have installation works arranged to fit the Progressive Safe System but that this is scheduled for after 28 October 2024 (and by 4 May 2025 at 23:59)
- Acceptable forms of evidence can include written confirmation, appointment bookings or other correspondence to the effect that you have arranged fitting works, or have purchased equipment that can only arrive after 28 October 2024.
You can apply for the grace period by logging in to your London Road User Charging account and following the instructions on the DVS enquiry form. You will need to apply separately for each vehicle that you wish to receive a grace period for.
For more detailed information, visit the official Transport for London website.
