Compliance with Direct Vision Standards: What Fleet Operators Need to Know

17th December 2024

TfL’s updated Direct Vision Standards (DVS) came into effect at the end of October. Find out what fleet operators need to know about DVS compliance.

80% of the people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads in 2023 were vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. Transport for London’s (TfL) updated Direct Vision Standards (DVS), which came into effect in October, aim to improve road safety, particularly for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from the transport network by 2041.

 

How DVS Works

Under the updated DVS, all HGVs over 12 tonnes must have at least a three-star rating or be fitted with an approved Progressive Safety System (PSS), such as the one available from Crystal Ball. They must also obtain a safety permit from TfL, allowing them to operate in, enter, or drive through most of Greater London from 28 October 2024. Previously, these vehicles required a one-star rating to qualify for a permit. This rating indicates how much the driver can see directly from the cab.

TfL’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system enforces the DVS. If you are caught driving an HGV without a valid safety permit, you could receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of as much as £550, additional penalties, and a potential ban on using your vehicles in Greater London.

 

DVS Aims to Reduce Blind Spots

The earlier DVS helped reduce the number of fatal collisions involving HGVs since its introduction in 2021. The number of these collisions fell by 62%, and the number of serious injuries was reduced compared to the 2017-19 baseline.

The new three-star rating requires drivers to have average direct vision from the cab. HGVs without a three-star rating must be fitted with a PSS to eliminate blind spots and warn vulnerable road users about vehicle movements.

 

Requirements for DVS Compliance

There are a few requirements for DVS compliance that you should know about. If your HGV does not have at least a three-star rating assigned by the manufacturer, it must be fitted with a PSS before you apply for a safety permit from TfL. The PSS must include:

  • A Camera Monitoring System (CMS) on the vehicle’s nearside.
  • Class V and VI mirrors on the nearside (can be replaced by a CMS).
  • A Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) covering the nearside.
  • A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) at the vehicle’s front.
  • Audible warnings to alert road users when the vehicle turns left (right, if vehicle is left-hand drive).
  • External warning signs.
  • Side under-run protection on both sides of the vehicle unless not practicable.

Non-compliance could result in significant fines and operational restrictions, so ensuring your fleet meets these requirements is critical. To meet the new standards, operators are upgrading their fleets or retrofitting existing vehicles with safety systems. This ensures they not only avoid penalties and operational restrictions but also demonstrate their commitment to road safety and corporate responsibility.

Taking proactive steps to comply with the DVS can also positively impact customer relations, as clients increasingly value partners who prioritise safety and sustainability. A compliant, safety-focused fleet enhances trust, strengthens brand reputation, and can give a business a competitive edge in securing new contracts and retaining existing ones.

 

Ensure DVS Compliance

As a fleet operator, it’s vital that you ensure that your HGVs comply with TfL’s updated DVS. Use Crystal Ball’s Direct Vision Standard solutions to ensure your vehicles qualify for the required safety permits. Let a trusted brand help you improve the safety of London’s roads and ensure your operations are not disrupted, and you don’t receive steep penalties.