Since 28th October 2024, HGVs operating in Greater London have needed at least a three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating, or the Progressive Safe System (PSS) fitted, to hold a valid HGV safety permit. If your fleet hasn't been checked against this since it came into force, here's what the requirement covers and what you need to have in place now.
Looking to purchase a DVS system?
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 original Safe System, and it's now the baseline requirement for any HGV that doesn't meet the three-star DVS threshold.
Since 28th October 2024, any HGV rated below three stars has needed these features fitted to hold a valid safety permit for Greater London. TfL reports that fatal collisions involving HGVs in London fell 62% in 2023 compared to the 2017-19 baseline since the original DVS was introduced, and enforcement is active: operating without a valid permit or failing to meet its conditions carries a penalty charge notice of up to £550, reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days.
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 your 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 |
Retrofitting these safety features is what keeps an HGV legally operating in Greater London today, not just a step to prepare for regulations that took effect back in October 2024.
The grace period has ended
TfL offered a six-month grace period for operators who could show installation work was already arranged but not yet complete, running from 28th October 2024 to 4th May 2025 at 23:59. That window has now closed, and operators can no longer apply for it.
If your fleet missed the deadline and is still running non-compliant vehicles into Greater London, treat it as an active compliance gap rather than a historical one: unpermitted vehicles over 12 tonnes are liable for a penalty charge notice of up to £550 per breach. Retrofitting the required PSS features and applying for the permit now is the only way to close that exposure, there's no further grace period being offered.
For more detailed information, visit the official Transport for London website.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Direct Vision Standard still in effect in London?
Yes. Since 28th October 2024, any HGV over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London needs at least a three-star DVS rating or the Progressive Safe System fitted to hold a valid HGV safety permit. This isn't a temporary or phased-in requirement any more, it's the current standard, and enforcement is active.
Has the DVS grace period ended?
Yes. The six-month grace period, for operators who could show PSS installation work was already arranged, ran from 28th October 2024 to 4th May 2025 at 23:59 and has now closed. No further grace period is available, so any non-compliant vehicle still operating in Greater London is exposed to enforcement now, not at some future date.
What happens if I operate an HGV in London without a valid safety permit?
You're liable for a penalty charge notice of up to £550, reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days. This applies to any HGV over 12 tonnes operating without a valid permit or failing to meet its conditions.
What are the five components of the Progressive Safe System?
Camera Monitoring Systems (eliminating nearside blind spots), Blind Spot Information Systems (sensor-based alerts for cyclists and pedestrians), Moving Off Information Systems (warning the driver of obstacles before the vehicle moves), side under-run protection (physical barriers preventing dragging in a collision), and warning signage meeting TfL's size and visibility standards.
How do I check my vehicle's DVS star rating?
Contact your vehicle manufacturer directly and provide the chassis number (VIN). They'll confirm the star rating, which determines whether you need to fit the PSS to qualify for a permit.
Does every HGV need the Progressive Safe System fitted?
No. Only HGVs rated below three stars need the PSS. Vehicles rated three stars or above meet the standard on direct vision alone, though TfL still recommends (without requiring) the PSS features for those vehicles too.
How long does an HGV safety permit last?
Permits issued for any star rating under the current requirements run through to expiry at midnight on 28th October 2030. This replaced the previous system where 0 to 2-star permits expired earlier and 3 to 5-star permits ran for 10 years from issue.
Are any vehicles exempt from the PSS requirements?
Some vehicles are partially or fully exempt, including certain vehicles used for specific construction work or carrying abnormal loads. Operators should check TfL's current exemptions list to confirm whether a specific vehicle qualifies, rather than assuming exemption.
Get compliant with Truckstop Group
If your fleet still needs the Progressive Safe System fitted, or you're not certain which of your vehicles fall below the three-star threshold, Truckstop Group stocks DVS-compliant camera monitoring, blind spot and moving-off information systems ready to fit before your next vehicle heads into Greater London. Browse our DVS system kits or contact our team to confirm what your vehicle needs and get it sorted before it becomes a penalty notice rather than a fitting job.
