From 28th October 2024, any HGV over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London must either have a three-star rating for the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) or be retrofitted with the Progressive Safe System (PSS). A limited grace period is available if you can demonstrate that the fitment of a PSS is in progress—but to qualify, you must first contact TfL’s operations team. 

Introduced in October 2020, the DVS measures how well HGV drivers can see vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, through their cab windows. This standard is a key part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from the city’s streets by 2041. HGVs are rated from zero to five stars with 5 denoting excellent direct vision and zero meaning very poor direct vision. 

From the end of October, the minimum required rating will increase from one to three stars. Operators will need to obtain an HGV safety permit, demonstrating that the vehicle meets the three-star requirement or has been retrofitted with the necessary PSS features. 

ANPR cameras across Greater London can instantly check vehicles against TfL’s database of qualifying vehicles and issue fixed penalty notices of £550 to vehicles which are non-compliant with this new requirement. 

What to do next 

Vehicles rated three stars and above 

If your HGV is already rated at three stars or above, then it will be allowed into Greater London without the need to fit additional safety equipment, however, the vehicle must first be registered for a safety permit. If you are acquiring new vehicles, you should begin this process at the earliest opportunity. Register here DVS VRM Checker - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) 

Vehicles rated two stars or less 

If your vehicle is currently rated two stars or less, then any permit you already have will expire at midnight on 27th October 2024. To gain a new permit, you will have to retrofit some Progressive Safe System features which are aimed at improving indirect vision and warning other road users of intended manoeuvres. These features include:
A camera monitoring system on the nearside of the vehicle to eliminate blind spots.

1. Class V and VI mirrors, or a camera system that replaces these.

2. A blind spot information system alerting the driver to the presence of vulnerable road users on the vehicle’s nearside.

3. A moving off information system alerting the driver to the presence of vulnerable road users in front of the vehicle.

4. Side under-run protection to both sides of the vehicle

5. An audible external warning when the vehicle is turning left.

6. External stickers and markings.

These must all be fitted by 28th October. If that is not possible, then operators may request a grace period while the vehicle improvements are carried out.  

More details on applying for the HGV safety permit, plus how to apply for a grace period, how to self-certify a vehicle, and details of exemptions for certain vehicles can be found on the TfL website: 

Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme 

Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) 

An updated edition for the enhanced Direct Vision Standard requirements and the new Progressive Safe System that will replace the Safe System from October 2024 can be found here: 

DVS Guidance for Operators (updated) 

Direct Vision Standard: Guidance for operators (tfl.gov.uk) 

If you have a FleetCheck account, you will be able to manage permits for all your vehicles to ensure they are in place and that you don’t miss any renewal dates. 

Author

  • Barrie has vast experience gained from working as a Transport & Compliance Manager for a large national haulage company and is our resident HGV specialist. VIEW PROFILE