WHAT IS DIRECT VISION STANDARD?
The Direct Vision Standard enforcement zone covers all of Greater London
HOW LONG WILL THE PERMIT LAST?
The duration of the HGV Safety Permit depends on whether the the vehicle meets the minimum DVS requirement or if it was granted subject to the Safe System:
- The permits of vehicles rated One or Two stars or those that have qualified on the Safe System will expire at the end of 25th October 2024. From October 2024, these vehicles will need to reapply for a 10 year permit under the progressive Safe System.
- The permits of vehicles Three, Four or Five stars will expire at the end of 25th October 2030 or ten years after the application date if granted later than 26th October 2020 (whichever is the later).
ENFORCEMENT
The scheme will be implemented by a decriminalised Traffic Regulation Order, meaning a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can be issued. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will detect a vehicle which will be checked with TfL’s permit database. Operators/hauliers without a permit may be issued a PCN of £550 and £130 for the driver, even if the vehicle is five star rated every time the vehicle enters Greater London.
If your vehicle does not have the following equipment, you will not comply with the direct vision standard. 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. Phone us today and we can help you get your fleet compliant with the direct vision standard. You can also complete our DVS star rating form and we will find out what your manufacturer’s rating is.
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.
- External pictorial stickers and markings shall we be 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.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
At neatcom we have developed a 3 step process that will get you on the road to direct vision compliance.
1
Find out your star rating today and we can help get your fleet ready for the direct vision standards.
- Complete the star rating form and we will get back to you with your rating asap!
The rating (0-5) will be based on how the vehicle left the production line and will not take into account any aftermarket safety systems that have been fitted.
2
If your vehicle is 0 star rated, you must comply with the Safe System which requires the fitting of extra devices for indirect vision.
- We will audit your fleet and let you know what equipment is required for you to comply with the safe system requirements.
3
HGVs that are 1-5 star rated will automatically be eligible for a permit but will still need to apply.
- Neatcom will work with you to achieve compliance for your whole fleet. – Yes that even means handing over the paperwork to our team of compliance specialists!
How neatcom Can Help
Neatcom Communications has a range of products to help operators meet the requirements of various specifications including the safety system for the Direct Vision Standard. Neatcom’s team of experts work closely with road safety associations to provide the best and most up to date advice. Interpreting various specifications and understanding the terminology can be a minefield for operators. For example, references to ‘shall’, ‘should’ and ‘may’ in the Direct Vision standard depict whether a requirement is mandatory, recommended or permitted and transport managers can be left confused.
Neatcom has provided advice to many OEM and OES suppliers and continues to work with the aftermarket to make sure that vehicles are compliant. In this role, neatcom also ensures products are fitted to maximise their safety potential. For a free no-obligation consultation on the Direct Vision Standard please contact us.
Camera Monitoring Systems
‘A fully operational camera monitoring system fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.’
V7” MONITOR NC-MON-7 Digital LCD Monitor
ANTI-SHOCK RUGGED CAMERA, side-view camera
High quality camera monitor systems that offer blind spot coverage at a cost-effective price.
Sensor System
‘A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user fitted to the nearside of the vehicle.’
Sensors on rigid vehicles should ensure coverage size metres down the nearside or one metre from the rear of the vehicle, whichever is smaller. Sensors should not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. In the case of tractor units, these should be suitably positioned to provide sufficient coverage, but preventing activation solely on articulation of the trailer.
4 sensor system to inform driver of objects within close proximity in the nearside blind spot where cyclists or pedestrians can go undetected. Activated by the left turn indicator.
Warning Alarms
‘Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left’
Side turn warning for cyclists/pedestrians. Activates on the left turn indication. A combination of White sound and real-speech.
‘The device should have a manual on/off switch for use between the hours of 11:30pm
What Safe Systems Are Required?
Items that comply with the London lorry scheme include:
- A nearside blind spot camera system
- A side detection system with audible alarm to alert the driver that there is an obstacle on the near side, i.e. cyclist or pedestrian.
- An audible vehicle warning “Caution, this vehicle is turning left” or (For left-hand drives) “Caution, this vehicle is turning right”
Included in this kit: