AddSecure: how cameras can aid DVS compliance
Camera telematics specialist AddSecure has explained how HGV cameras can play a critical role in helping fleets comply with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and the forthcoming Progressive Safe System (PSS) enhancements, while also enhancing safety more widely.
“Since the Direct Vision standard was introduced in 2019, fatal collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users where vision was a contributory factor have halved from 12 to 6,” said AddSecure.
“However, as part of the Mayor of London’s goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041, Transport for London (TfL) are now proposing an enhancement to the current DVS Safe System with the introduction of the Progressive Safe System (PSS).”
This new PSS will come into force in October 2024, and will apply to all vehicles that have a two-star rating or lower – which TfL estimates will comprise around 165,000 vehicles, which is 90 per cent of the existing fleet operating in London.
“The proposed enhancements will mainly involve mandating elements of the Safe System that are currently only recommendations,” said AddSecure.
“Overall, the enhancements to the new PSS are focused on preventing crashes and reducing the severity of injuries in the event of a collision, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
At the time of writing, TfL was reviewing feedback from industry on the proposals, from a consultation which closed in April.
But measures that could potentially be introduced as part of the PSS include: updating existing guidance on the use of mirrors and mirror-replacement camera monitoring systems (CMS); requiring that CMS fitted on vehicles must eliminate any remaining blind spots at the nearside; requiring that sensors must ensure full coverage down the nearside of all vehicles to detect vulnerable road users (and must not activate in relation to roadside furniture of stationary vehicles); requiring that moving off systems (MOIS) must be fitted to the front of vehicles to prevent collisions at the frontal blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest; and a requirement to fit audio warnings to all vehicles, including those with left hand drive, to ensure all vehicles can warn vulnerable road users of an intended manoeuvre.
“The use of HGV cameras is not only neccessary to comply with legislation but can overall provide a range of benefits for drivers and fleet operators, including improved safety, reduced insurance costs, increased efficiency, improved driver behavior, and enhanced security,” said Paul Lawrence, managing director, Smart Transport, AddSecure.
The company’s all-in-one video telematics solution, RoadView, helps mitigate fleets’ risk and ensures fleet operators get the full picture before, during and after any event. It is designed to provide accurate video evidence and detailed driver behaviour data of every incident.
The cloud-based camera technology is configured to detect any incident vehicles may be involved in and automatically upload all event footage and data direct to a web-based platform for immediate analysis. By reviewing incident footage and driving behaviour data, fleet safety can be improved with tailored driver coaching.
“AddSecure’s range of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and DMS (Driver Monitoring Systems) cameras use the latest in AI technology to detect high-risk driver behaviours such as distracted driving (mobile phone use, smoking, etc), fatigue, lane departure or tailgating, and emit audible warnings to the driver to prevent a potential accident from occurring,” said the company.
“A vehicle camera system can also be used as a defence against false claims, as it exonerates drivers with undisputable, HD quality video footage. Fleet operators can also benefit from reduced insurance premiums with FNOL and reduce accident rates.”
