Ensure your fleet’s compliance with Direct Vision Standard safety requirements. Read this comprehensive guide and help your community stay safe.
As industries become increasingly reliant on commercial vehicles, it’s becoming even more important to ensure the safety of our roads. With the introduction of London’s new safety initiative, the Direct Vision Standard, many commercial vehicles must now comply with a specific set of safety requirements.
Whilst this may not be front of mind for fleet managers whose vehicles do not operate in London, it is certainly worth considering that the DVS zone stretches to just inside the M25. In any case, being DVS compliant is a safety measure worth considering for any large vehicle travelling near the area.
While this scheme is important in improving the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists, it can be confusing to navigate the requirements needed to meet these safety standards.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down what exactly the DVS is and how you can make sure that your entire fleet will be able to meet all the safety requirements.
Understanding the Direct Vision Standard
The Direct Vision Standard is a safety initiative that was introduced by the Mayor of London in 2017. This initiative aims to improve driver visibility and thereby reduce the number of road accidents involving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) in London. The DVS initiative also aims to encourage operators to invest in safer vehicles, which can have a positive long term impact on the environment and community.
Safety requirements under the DVS
The DVS itself is a rating system that measures the level of direct vision from the cab of all HGVs over 12 tonnes and LGVs over 3.5 tonnes that operate within Greater London. The system takes into account several different factors including the size and shape of the cab windows, the vehicles mirror systems, blind spots, and other safety measures like sensors and cameras. After taking these factors into consideration, the DVS rates the vehicles from zero to five stars, with a higher rating indicating better driver visibility.
If vehicles fail to meet the DVS requirements, additional safety features will need to be installed. These can include added cameras, sensors, external pictorial stickers, and more. Additionally, all vehicles must also have side guard and close-proximity mirrors to prevent cyclists and pedestrians from getting caught under the vehicle.
How to ensure your fleet passes DVS safety requirements
To make sure that your vehicles are completely DVS compliant, you’ll first need to assess your fleet’s current DVS rating. TfL have released an online rating system that can help you determine this, or you can contact the vehicle’s manufacturer directly.
If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, you’ll need to begin installing additional safety features. This additional equipment may include camera monitoring and sensor systems, audible vehicle manoeuvring warnings, external stickers and markings to warn pedestrians, and side under-run protection. While this can sometimes be a hassle to manage, Crystal Ball offers a complete DVS compliance service in which their team will be able to assess your fleet and help you install all the necessary safety equipment. After installing these safety measures, you’ll also need to conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure they’re all in good working order and comply with all the necessary safety regulations.
You’ll also need to make sure all drivers are properly trained and are aware of the safety features and how to use them effectively. This training will also help them understand the importance of being vigilant on the road and of being cautious when driving near vulnerable road users.
Reviewing what routes your drivers take is also an important part of ensuring your fleet is DVS compliant. You’ll need to identify all the high-risk routes, including schools, hospitals, and any busy pedestrian areas, and re-route your vehicles to avoid them whenever possible.
The DVS is an essential safety standard for all HGVs and LGVs based within London, helping to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and encouraging the use of safer vehicles. However, the obvious safety benefits of DVS are beneficial to all heavy vehicle operators, not just those operating in London.
To make sure that your entire fleet is DVS compliant, it’s important that you thoroughly assess your vehicles, implement any safety upgrades where necessary, and train your drivers on all the necessary safety measures, should they be travelling to and from London. By doing so, you won’t just be avoiding any unnecessary fines but you’ll also help to ensure a safe and secure environment wherever your drivers may be.
