The evolution of the Direct Vision Standard is of interest to all drivers and fleet managers operating in and around London. Here’s what you need to know about its expansion.
Exploring the Potential Expansion of the Direct Vision Standard
In recent years, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has emerged as a pioneering initiative to enhance road safety, particularly in urban areas with a high volume of large vehicles. Implemented in London, the DVS has demonstrated significant success in reducing accidents involving HGVs, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in the process. As the benefits of the DVS become increasingly apparent, attention is turning towards its potential expansion beyond London.
?This article will delve into the future prospects of the DVS, discussing the possibilities and challenges associated with implementing similar vision-based safety standards in other cities and regions.
What is the Direct Vision Standard?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a regulatory framework that assigns star ratings to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), based on a driver’s direct field of vision from inside of their vehicles. The main objective of the DVS is to improve road safety by reducing blind spots for drivers and improving safety, especially in highly populated areas like London.
TfL’s HGV safety permit scheme was first introduced in 2019, requiring those driving HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes to apply for a free permit to operate in Greater London.?
Starting in March 2021, Transport for London (TfL) implemented a regulation requiring all HGVs over twelve tonnes to have a minimum of a one-star rating to apply for a permit without the need to provide further evidence. However, if a HGV is rated at zero stars, drivers will need to take additional measures to make their vehicle safer, incorporating Safe System improvements to meet the criteria.
Some Safe System improvements include the following:
- Sensor systems to alert drivers when cyclists or pedestrians are nearby
- Warning signage to warn other drivers of intended manoeuvres
- A Camera Monitoring System (CMS)
For many drivers, turning to reputable businesses specialising in vehicle safety has provided them with a quick, cost-effective solution to Safe System improvements. Providers such as Crystal Ball, for example, are equipped with telematics solutions designed to make vehicles compliant with the DVS safety standards.??
How is the DVS changing?
As of October 2024, the minimum DVS requirements will increase to a three-star rating, and any vehicles that fall below this threshold will be required to fit Safe System improvements to secure a permit. This means that vehicles with a rating of two-stars or below will be required to install Safe System improvements, providing proof of this before being granted a permit.
What is the potential for DVS to expand?
Since its implementation in London, the DVS has shown promising results. Accidents involving heavy goods vehicles have decreased significantly, and the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, has greatly improved. The success of the DVS has sparked interest in replicating this model in other urban environments facing similar road safety challenges.
Expanding the DVS beyond London, however, presents both opportunities and challenges. One of the primary benefits is the potential to save lives and reduce injuries in cities across the country. By adopting and adapting the DVS concept to address the specific road safety concerns of different urban areas, local authorities can work towards creating safer roads for all individuals.
However, implementing vision-based safety standards in new regions will not be easy, and requires careful consideration between policymakers, transport authorities, and vehicle manufacturers prior to its introduction. It is essential to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure consistent and effective implementation. Sharing best practices and lessons learned from the London experience will be crucial in this process.
To sum up
The potential expansion of the Direct Vision Standard represents a significant step towards a safer and more inclusive urban road environment. By adopting and adapting this vision-based safety standard, cities and regions can prioritise the well-being of their communities and work together towards a better future with reduced accidents and increased road safety.
