As cities around the world continue to grow and traffic congestion becomes a major concern, regulatory bodies are implementing new measures to improve road safety and reduce air pollution One such measure is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for lorries, which aims to improve the visibility of lorry drivers from the cab to prevent accidents involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The DVS was first introduced in London, UK, in March 2021, requiring all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes to have a safety permit to operate within the Greater London area This permit is based on a star rating system, ranging from zero stars (the lowest) to five stars (the highest), depending on how much a driver can see directly through the windows of their cab Lorries that do not meet the minimum one-star rating must be fitted with additional safety measures, such as cameras and sensors, to improve visibility.
Achieving and maintaining lorry DVS compliance is essential for fleet operators, as failure to comply can result in fines of up to £550 per day for each vehicle In addition, non-compliant lorries risk being banned from operating in DVS zones, affecting delivery schedules and potentially causing financial losses for businesses.
To ensure compliance with the DVS, fleet operators must take the following steps:
1 Check the star rating of each lorry in the fleet: The first step in achieving DVS compliance is to determine the star rating of each lorry in the fleet This can be done by referring to the DVS star ratings database, which provides information on the visibility of different lorry models If a lorry has a rating of zero stars, it must be retrofitted with additional safety equipment to meet the minimum one-star requirement.
2 Install additional safety measures: Lorries that do not meet the minimum one-star rating must be fitted with additional safety measures, such as cameras, sensors, and warning stickers, to improve visibility The cost of retrofitting a lorry with these safety features can vary depending on the size and type of the vehicle, but the investment is necessary to ensure compliance with the DVS.
3 Lorry DVS Compliance. Apply for a safety permit: Once the necessary safety measures have been installed, fleet operators must apply for a safety permit for each lorry in the fleet The permit is valid for five years and must be renewed before it expires to continue operating in DVS zones Applications can be made online through the Transport for London (TfL) website, and permits are usually issued within 28 days of submission.
4 Monitor compliance and maintain records: To ensure ongoing compliance with the DVS, fleet operators must monitor the star ratings of their lorries and keep detailed records of any safety permits issued Regular checks should be conducted to ensure that all safety equipment is functioning correctly, and any issues should be addressed promptly to avoid fines or penalties.
5 Train drivers on DVS requirements: In addition to equipping lorries with the necessary safety features, fleet operators must provide training to drivers on the requirements of the DVS Drivers should be made aware of the importance of maintaining a clear line of sight and using mirrors and cameras to check for vulnerable road users, especially when turning or changing lanes.
In conclusion, lorry DVS compliance is essential for fleet operators to ensure the safety of all road users and avoid penalties for non-compliance By checking the star rating of each lorry, installing additional safety measures, applying for safety permits, monitoring compliance, and training drivers on DVS requirements, fleet operators can ensure that their lorries meet the necessary visibility standards and operate safely in DVS zones Failure to comply with the DVS not only puts vulnerable road users at risk but also risks financial losses for businesses, making it imperative for fleet operators to prioritize safety and compliance in their operations.