Direct Vision Standard (DVS)

What is Direct Vision Standard?

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is the first legislation of its kind. From 1^st March 2021, ALL goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will require a permit to drive into Greater London, including vehicles from outside of the UK.

Enforced by Transport for London (TfL), the legislation is based on a ‘star rating’ indicating how much a driver can see from the cab in relation to other road users.

This original deadline was back in October 2020, but was postponed to give affected businesses more time to meet the new standards as they face intense demands from the coronavirus pandemic.

Grace period

TFL are also introducing a 90-day grace period to support operators who have ordered Safe System components ahead of the 1^st March enforcement start date and are now experiencing delays in supply and fitting. To benefit from the grace period, please submit evidence from the fitter/garage on branded documentation with details of your appointment and Vehicle Registration Number, before 1 March, to DVSGracePeriod@TfL.gov.uk. TfL will review the request and send written confirmation of the outcome. Once your Safe System equipment has been fitted, you must follow the DVS Permit Application process.

You must take action before 1 March 2021. Operators informing TFL of a delay after this date will not be eligible for the grace period.

Enforcement and penalties

Once enforcement starts, if you drive an HGV within Greater London without a valid permit you may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £550 (reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days). TFL can also revoke or suspend a permit if a vehicle that has been granted a permit is later found to be in breach of the permit terms.

How Star Ratings Work

The vehicle manufacturer will issue a star rating for your vehicle. This rating (0-5) is based on how the vehicle left the production line and will not take into account any aftermarket safety systems that have been fitted.

HGVs that do not meet the minimum requirement of one star need to comply with the Safe System which requires the installation of extra devices for indirect vision (similar to FORS & CLOCS specifications). Complying with the Safe System will not alter the vehicle’s star rating but will permit you to drive into Greater London.

By 2024 DVS minimum star requirements increase to three stars.

How do I find out my star rating?

Vehicle operators need to contact their vehicle manufacturer to find out what their DVS star rating is. There is currently no published list available. Operators will need the VIN number of the HGV to hand.

Alternatively go to the government website and eter your vehicle registration to run a check and apply for your license: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/

What to do if I have a zero star rating today?

If your vehicle is 0 star rated, you must comply with the requirements of the Safe System. This is a series of vehicle safety measures which aim to improve the overall safety of the HGV.

The following devices are required to comply:

• Class V mirror fitted to the nearside of the vehicle
• Class VI mirror fitted to the front of the vehicle
• Side under-run protection fitted to both sides of the vehicle except where this is impractical or proves to be impossible. See TfL website for exemptions.
• External pictorial stickers and markings shall we displayed on vehicles to warn vulnerable road users of the hazards around the vehicle
• A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user fitted to the nearside of the vehicle
• Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left
• A fully operational camera monitoring system fitted to the nearside of the vehicle

If your vehicle already complies with FORS Silver, it will meet the requirements of the Safe System.

How Foresolutions Can Help

Foresolutions is able to offer the Smart Witness full telematics camera system to help operators meet the requirements for the Direct Vision Standard. Our team of experts can advise on your current status and take you through the process of installing the equipment and using our innovative Foretrack Connect tracking solution to manage your fleet.

For a free no obligation consultation on the Direct Vision Standard please contact us for an appointment.