In an effort to improve road safety and reduce collisions involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in London, the introduction of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) has become a key focus for fleet managers and lorry operators The DVS requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to have a permit to operate in Greater London starting from March 2021 This regulation aims to enhance the visibility of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, making the roads safer for everyone.
Fleet managers play a crucial role in ensuring that their vehicles are compliant with the DVS to avoid penalties and maintain their operations smoothly The DVS is based on a star rating system, with vehicles rated from zero to five stars depending on how much direct vision the driver has from the cab Vehicles rated zero stars have the poorest visibility, while those rated five stars provide the best visibility and are considered the safest.
To achieve compliance with the DVS, fleet managers need to assess their vehicles and take necessary steps to improve visibility and obtain a permit Here are some key factors to consider when ensuring lorry DVS compliance:
1 Vehicle Assessment: The first step in achieving compliance with the DVS is to assess the current visibility of each vehicle in the fleet This can be done by checking the star rating of the vehicle on the Transport for London website or using the Safe System Approach to assess blind spots and visibility from the driver’s cab Vehicles rated zero stars will need to be retrofitted with additional safety equipment to improve visibility, such as cameras, sensors, and audible warning systems.
2 Retrofitting Equipment: For vehicles that are rated zero stars or below, retrofitting additional safety equipment is essential to meet the DVS requirements This may include installing cameras, sensors, and side guards to improve visibility and reduce the risk of collisions with vulnerable road users Fleet managers should work with accredited suppliers to ensure that the equipment meets the DVS standards and is installed correctly.
3 Lorry DVS Compliance. Training for Drivers: In addition to retrofitting equipment, fleet managers should provide training for drivers on how to use the new safety features effectively Drivers need to be aware of blind spots and how to check them using mirrors and cameras, as well as how to interpret audible warnings and signals from the safety equipment Regular training and refresher courses can help ensure that drivers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate vehicles safely on London roads.
4 Obtaining a Permit: Once the necessary steps have been taken to improve visibility and safety, fleet managers can apply for a DVS permit for each vehicle in their fleet The permit will be issued based on the star rating of the vehicle and will be valid for up to five years Fleet managers should keep records of the permits and ensure that they are renewed on time to avoid penalties and disruptions to their operations.
5 Monitoring and Compliance: Achieving compliance with the DVS is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires monitoring and regular checks Fleet managers should conduct regular audits of their vehicles to ensure that they maintain the required visibility standards and that the safety equipment is in good working condition Any issues or violations should be addressed promptly to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with the DVS.
In conclusion, ensuring lorry DVS compliance is a critical responsibility for fleet managers to protect vulnerable road users and improve road safety in London By assessing vehicles, retrofitting safety equipment, training drivers, obtaining permits, and monitoring compliance, fleet managers can meet the DVS requirements and play their part in creating a safer environment for all road users Failure to comply with the DVS can result in fines, penalties, and even the revocation of permits, so it is essential for fleet managers to prioritize DVS compliance in their operations.