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What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme is an initiative that affects HGVs over 12 tonnes in London. It is a system of rating vehicles, based on certain factors like how much direct visibility a driver has to see around the vehicle, not including the use of visual aids such as mirrors. The purpose of it is to minimise road traffic accidents, particularly smaller and more vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians, and small vehicles, that could easily go unseen by the HGV driver. If HGVs don’t meet the standards to be rated as 3 stars, they will be required to fit additional safety features to increase their star rating.
What is its Purpose?
Statistics showed that HGVs are disproportionately involved in fatal collisions with vulnerable road users. Although HGVs make up a small percentage of road traffic in London, they are involved in a significant number of fatal accidents. One of the primary causes of these collisions is the extensive blind spots around HGVs. Drivers often can’t see pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists directly, which leads to accidents, especially when turning or manoeuvring. The DVS requires HGV vehicles to meet certain requirements to reduce accidents.
Which Areas Will Be Affected by the DVS and HGV Permit Scheme?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme apply to the entire Greater London area, affecting all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. This includes central boroughs like Westminster, Camden, and Kensington and Chelsea, as well as outer boroughs such as Croydon, Hillingdon, and Havering. The City of London, Britain’s major financial district, is also included.
Understanding the Three-Star Rating System
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) uses a star rating system to evaluate the level of direct vision that HGV drivers have from their cab. The ratings range from zero to five stars, with a higher rating indicating better direct vision. From 2024, all HGVs operating in Greater London will be required to have a minimum three-star rating, to ensure sufficient visibility of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Understanding the Progressive Safe System
HGVs that fall below the three-star rating will need to implement a Progressive Safe System to compensate for the lack of direct vision. This system involves fitting additional safety features to enhance the driver's awareness and protect vulnerable road users. The required features include:
Blind Spot Cameras: These cameras give the driver a clear view of the areas around the vehicle not visible directly from the cab, particularly the nearside and front of the HGV.
Proximity Sensors: Sensors installed on the vehicle alert the driver when a vulnerable road user is in close proximity, helping to prevent collisions during manoeuvres like turning or reversing.
Sideguards: Sideguards prevent cyclists and pedestrians from being dragged under the HGV’s wheels in the event of a collision, providing crucial protection.
Audible Warning Systems: These systems warn pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is making a left turn, reducing the risk of accidents by alerting vulnerable road users to the HGV's movements.
Class V and VI Mirrors: Additional mirrors improve the driver's field of view, helping to reduce blind spots and enhance the detection of nearby road users.
By implementing these additional safety features, HGVs with a DVS rating below three stars can increase their safety score and comply with the regulations to operate in Greater London. This Progressive Safe System is designed to ensure that all vehicles, regardless of their direct vision rating, provide a high level of safety for all road users.
Non-Compliance Impacts and Penalties
Non-compliance with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme can lead to significant consequences:
Fines and Penalties: Substantial fines for operating without the required permits.
Operational Restrictions: Prohibition from entering or operating in Greater London.
Increased Costs: Higher costs for last-minute compliance, last deliveries and potential insurance issues.
Reputational Damage: Harm to your company’s reputation for neglecting road safety.
Vehicle Immobilisation: Potential clamping or towing of non-compliant vehicles.
Ensuring compliance avoids these issues, supports road safety, and maintains smooth operations.
Who will Be Affected by these New Regulations?
Many stakeholders will be impacted, and it may surprise you to realise that even those not directly involved with HGV driving can be indirectly affected. Below is a list of some of the key affected stakeholders:
HGV Operators: Any operator of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes must comply with the DVS and obtain a safety permit to enter and operate within Greater London.
Freight and Logistics Companies: Companies involved in freight and logistics, particularly those making deliveries or conducting operations within London, need to ensure their fleets meet the required standards to avoid penalties and fines.
Construction and Infrastructure Projects: Construction companies working on projects within Greater London must ensure that their vehicles comply with the DVS standards, as non-compliance can result in delays and additional costs due to fines or permit issues.
Retailers and Businesses: Businesses relying on HGV deliveries, such as retailers, may be indirectly affected as their logistics providers need to comply with the new standards, potentially influencing delivery schedules and costs.
Local London Communities: Residents and road users within Greater London will benefit from increased safety due to the reduced risk of accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
When Does the Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme Come into Effect?
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme came into effect on 1 March 2021, requiring all HGVs over 12 tonnes to have a minimum one-star DVS rating or additional safety features to obtain a permit. From 28 October 2024, the minimum rating will increase to three stars, requiring further safety upgrades for non-compliant vehicles to operate in Greater London.
Should I Outsource My London Deliveries?
Outsourcing your London deliveries to a specialist logistics provider can be a strategic move to navigate these new regulations effectively. Partnering with a knowledgeable and compliant courier service not only ensures that your deliveries meet the latest safety standards but also frees up your resources to focus on core business activities.
Logistics companies that are well-versed in the DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme can offer tailored solutions, from route planning to real-time tracking, mitigating the risks associated with non-compliance. This proactive approach helps in maintaining uninterrupted delivery services.
Get in Touch with Speedy Freight for London Transport Services
At Speedy Freight, we're here to help you navigate the impacts of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit Scheme and are here to support all your London transport operations.
For companies wishing to outsource their London deliveries to a reliable logistics company for a hassle-free experience, we're here to help. Our London same day delivery services are backed by a dedicated team with local expertise and intricate knowledge of the city's landscape. Our logistics experts stay up to date with the latest regulations and industry standards, ensuring your deliveries are always compliant and timely. By leveraging our deep understanding of London's transport network, we navigate the city with precision and efficiency, providing you with the best possible service in every borough in London, and surrounding areas.
With access to a fleet of over 4,000 vehicles, including specialist options and FORS-accredited vehicles, and our 24-hour availability, we’re always here for your same day London courier requests and end-to-end logistics support.
Whether you're a retailer, construction firm, or any other business reliant on timely logistics, our expertise and commitment to safety ensure your operations continue smoothly. We always prioritise road safety, doing our part to protect local communities while maintaining your company’s reputation.
Choose Speedy Freight for all your same day London delivery needs. Our team combines local insight with a commitment to excellence, ensuring your logistics needs are met with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
