HGV Safety
Today is the start of new safety rules that were agreed by Transport for London back in the summer. The new rules state that all HGVs must have at least a three star DVS rating, or fit a system of safety features that will give the driver better all-round vision to be able to drive in Greater London. Drivers have had to apply for a free safety certificate to operate in central London for the last few years. The aim of this scheme is to reduce accidents on the capitals roads, and ensure vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians will be easier for HGV drivers to see.
London started its safety permit scheme in 2019, the requirement for a vehicle to have at least 3 stars is a new addition to the scheme. The number of fatal collisions have reduced since safety permits were introduced, and the extra rules aim to make roads even safer.
If you drive in Greater London without a permit you will get a fine of £550, this is enforced by all ANPR cameras, so it’s impossible to dodge the fine!
What is the DVS?
DVS stands for Direct Vision Standard, it’s a way to categorise how much the driver of a HGV can see when they’re driving. Any vehicle with zero, one or two stars has limited direct vision. This would mean in a zero star HGV – sat in the cab you wouldn’t be able to see a pedestrian standing next to the cab that was less than 4 meters away from the vehicle. 5 stars is the best rating, this is a vehicle with the best vision.
The lower performing HGVs now have to have extra safety measures fitted to drive in London. These include cameras fitted to eliminate the blind spot at the nearside, mirrors to give better vision, audible warnings fitted to warn other road users that the HGV is turning, and a moving off information system to be fitted to the front of the vehicle. This will warn the driver if there is someone in the front blind spot when the HGV pulls off from rest.
If you’re not sure how many stars your HGV has then TfL recommend you contact the manufacturer directly. You can read more and get details on tfl.gov
Why are these changes being made?
London’s roads are very busy, and should be safe for everyone. This is easier to achieve if drivers have good all round vision, so they can avoid accidents before they happen.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of transport strategy and policy, said: “We’re determined to make roads safer for everyone and are committed to Vision Zero, the Mayor’s goal to eliminate death and serious injury from the transport network.
“It’s vital that all vehicles using London’s roads have safety at the forefront of their design and our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to significantly improve lorry safety, reducing fatal collisions where vision is a contributing factor by three quarters between 2018 and 2023.
“We will continue to take every possible measure to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from our roads and enhancing the safe systems for HGVs will help us do so.”
At Kim Driver Training we teach everyone to drive safely. If you would like to be a HGV or bus driver, or need to update your CPC to stay safe get in touch today!