TfL confirms DVS safety equipment changes
Transport for London has finalised details of its Progressive Safe System, which will be a requirement for HGVs over 12 tonnes with a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating of less than three stars from 28 October 2024.
The DVS scheme measures the extent of an HGV driver’s ability to see nearby vulnerable road users directly through their cab windows, with vehicle models awarded between zero and five stars for their direct vision credentials.
Currently, those rated zero must implement a ‘Safe System’ which requires a variety of safety equipment to be installed in order for the vehicles to be eligible for an HGV Safety Permit, enabling access to most of Greater London. This requirement has been met by more than 151,000 vehicles, TfL says.
But following a consultation and approval by London Councils, a new ‘Progressive Safe System’ will be required from 28 October next year, both for zero-star-rated vehicles and those rated one-or two-star.
Under the Progressive Safe System, changes will include updates to the existing guidance on the use of mirrors and mirror-replacement Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS), and the requirement for CMS fitted on vehicles to eliminate any remaining blind spots on the passenger side.
The Progressive Safe System will also include changes to rules around sensor systems.
“Sensors must ensure full coverage down the nearside of rigid vehicles to detect vulnerable road users,” said TfL.
“They must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. This aims to prevent left turn collisions.
“For articulated trailers, sensors must be fitted to the front tractor unit but are recommended for the trailer where possible.
“Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) sensors must be fitted to the front of a vehicle to prevent collisions at the frontal blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest.”
Audio warnings must be fitted to all vehicles, TfL adds, “including those with left-hand drive to ensure all vehicles have the ability to warn of an intended manoeuvre.”
Requirements around sideguards and warning signage remain unchanged.
Detailed technical specifications for the Progressive Safe System are to be released this month, according to TfL’s June consultation update.
To give operators sufficient time to procure, fit and test new equipment, TfL will provide a three-month grace period from 28 October 2024. To be eligible, operators of zero, one and two-star-rated vehicles will need to register the vehicles with TfL: “having supplied satisfactory evidence showing they have an appointment with fitters to install the PSS equipment before 31 January 2025.
“This arrangement would not apply to operators applying for new vehicle Safety Permits after 28 October 2024.”
An assessment will be made next June of whether an extension to this grace period is required.
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.”
