Direct Vision Standard – DVS: What you need to know
As a fleet manager or Transport Manager, one of the most important regulations you’ll encounter today is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Many of our customers have been asking about it, how it affects their vehicles, and what steps they need to take to stay compliant. So, I wanted to take a moment to explain the key points and how we at FleetMaxx Solutions can help you navigate these new rules.
What is the Direct Vision Standard – DVS?
The Direct Vision Standard is a safety initiative introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve road safety, especially for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The focus of DVS is on how much a driver can see directly through the windows of their vehicle cab rather than relying solely on mirrors or camera systems. Essentially, it’s about giving drivers the best possible direct line of sight to reduce accidents.
Vehicles over 12 tonnes now need to meet the standard to operate within Greater London. Each vehicle is given a star rating from 0 to 5 based on how much direct vision the driver has from their seat.
- 0 stars: The driver has very limited or no direct vision, requiring additional safety measures to be compliant.
- 1 star: Meets the minimum compliance threshold. Vehicles can enter London without further modifications.
- 2 to 5 stars: Higher star ratings indicate better direct vision and reduced reliance on additional safety measures.
Vehicles operating in Greater London must have at least 1 star or must install extra safety equipment to meet compliance and avoid penalties.
Direct Vision Standard – DVS: What you need to know
As a fleet manager or Transport Manager, one of the most important regulations you’ll encounter today is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Many of our customers have been asking about it, how it affects their vehicles, and what steps they need to take to stay compliant. So, I wanted to take a moment to explain the key points and how we at FleetMaxx Solutions can help you navigate these new rules.
What safety measures are required?
For vehicles that fall below the minimum one-star rating, operators will need to fit certain safety equipment as part of a Safe System. This may include:
- Class V and Class VI mirrors
- Camera monitoring systems to improve indirect vision
- Side under-run protection to prevent vulnerable road users from falling under the vehicle
- Audible warning systems that notify pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is turning
These measures aim to ensure that all vehicles on London’s roads are safer and reduce the risk of collisions, particularly in busy urban areas.
Introducing the Progressive Safe System (PSS)
Starting in 2024, Transport for London introduced the Progressive Safe System (PSS) as an enhancement to the original DVS “Safe System.” The PSS includes more advanced technology and additional safety measures for vehicles with a 0-star rating or those that don’t meet higher DVS standards.
The key elements of a Progressive Safe System may include:
- Enhanced Blind Spot Detection Technology: Advanced sensors or radar systems to detect cyclists and pedestrians in blind spots.
- Improved Camera Systems: 360-degree camera systems or multi-view cameras for better indirect visibility.
- Audible Warnings: More sophisticated systems to alert vulnerable road users when the vehicle is turning, combined with better detection.
- Upgraded Sideguards and Under-run Protection: Stronger side protection to prevent accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians.
- Enhanced Driver Monitoring: In-cab technology to monitor driver behavior, fatigue, or attention, reducing the risk of accidents.
The Progressive Safe System ensures that vehicles with lower star ratings continue to improve in safety and comply with updated regulations.
How does the Direct Vision Standard – DVS affect your fleet?
If your vehicles regularly operate within Greater London, ensuring compliance with the DVS and the new PSS requirements is essential. Non-compliant vehicles will face hefty penalties, with fines starting at £550 per day. Knowing your vehicle’s star rating and taking the necessary steps to upgrade is critical for avoiding fines and ensuring the safety of both your drivers and vulnerable road users.
How can FleetMaxx Solutions help with DVS?
We understand that keeping up with new regulations can be challenging, so we’re here to help. To support our customers, FleetMaxx Solutions has partnered with leading suppliers and installers of DVS-compliant and PSS-compliant safety equipment. Whether you need mirrors, camera systems, or full Safe System and Progressive Safe System installations, we have the right partners to get your fleet up to standard.
Our partners can guide you through the DVS requirements, assess your vehicles to determine their star ratings, and help you implement the necessary safety measures. We work with our trusted partners to ensure a smooth, efficient installation process and keep your fleet compliant.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can help get your fleet DVS-compliant and ready for the new Progressive Safe System, please fill out the enquiry form below, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly!
I hope this answers some of the common questions we’ve received about the Direct Vision Standard and the Progressive Safe System. We’re committed to making the process as smooth as possible for our customers.
Steve Buckley
Senior Fleet Analyst
Fleetmaxx Solutions – Burnley
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