The HGV Direct Vision Standard, or simply Direct Vision Standard (DVS), is a safety initiative introduced by the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists around Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). This standard aims to address the high number of accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users in London by promoting better visibility from the driver’s position in the cab.
HGVs have been involved in a significant number of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists in London. One of the main factors contributing to these accidents is the limited visibility that HGV drivers have of the road around them, especially in congested urban areas. Recognizing this issue, the DVS requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to meet specific safety standards in terms of direct vision from the cab.
The DVS assigns star ratings to HGVs based on the level of visibility a driver has from the cab. The star ratings range from zero stars (lowest visibility) to five stars (highest visibility). Vehicles that achieve a one-star rating or above are considered to meet the DVS requirements and can operate in London without any restrictions.
HGVs that fall below the one-star rating are required to install additional safety equipment to improve visibility and reduce blind spots. One of the most significant requirements is the installation of Class V and VI mirrors, which give the driver a better view of the area around the vehicle. In addition to the mirrors, HGV operators may also need to install other safety features such as sensors, cameras, and audible warnings to alert the driver of any potential hazards.
The implementation of the DVS is not only beneficial for pedestrian and cyclist safety but also for HGV operators and drivers. By improving visibility and reducing blind spots, the DVS helps drivers make safer decisions on the road, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and potential liability issues. Furthermore, complying with the DVS can also lead to reduced insurance premiums for HGV operators, as insurers recognize the safety benefits of meeting the standard.
To ensure compliance with the DVS, HGV operators in London are required to obtain a safety permit from TfL. This permit is issued based on the vehicle’s star rating and any additional safety measures that have been installed. HGV operators must display the safety permit on their vehicle when operating in Greater London, failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
The DVS was introduced in response to the alarming statistics of road accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users in London. According to TfL, between 2015 and 2017, HGVs were involved in 63% of fatal collisions with cyclists, despite making up only 4% of the total miles driven in London. By improving visibility and reducing blind spots, the DVS aims to reduce the number of accidents and make London’s roads safer for everyone.
In addition to the DVS, TfL also introduced the Safe System requirements for HGVs operating in London. The Safe System includes measures such as side underrun protection, close proximity sensors, and audible alerts to warn vulnerable road users of potential dangers. By combining the DVS with the Safe System requirements, TfL aims to create a comprehensive safety standard for HGVs that prioritizes the protection of pedestrians and cyclists.
Overall, the HGV Direct Vision Standard represents a significant step forward in improving road safety in London. By prioritizing visibility from the driver’s position in the cab, the DVS aims to reduce the number of accidents involving HGVs and vulnerable road users, ultimately saving lives and making London’s roads safer for everyone. HGV operators in London are encouraged to comply with the DVS requirements to ensure the safety of all road users and avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.