TfL heralds DVS success

Transport for London has claimed that its Direct Vision Standard for trucks of over 12 tonnes gross weight has succeeded in its first year of enforcement, pointing to a reduction in serious injury accidents involving trucks of 64 per cent (from 48 to 17) in 2021 compared to 2017.

Nearly 200,000 safety permits have been issued to date and more than 112,000 HGVs have been fitted with safety measures to protect people walking and cycling, TfL reported.

TfL’s director of transport strategy and policy, Christina Calderato, said: “In its first year of enforcement, our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to dramatically improve the safety of lorries and save lives. We…. want to thank all of the freight operators who have led the way in ensuring they only operate the safest lorries in London and across the UK.”

She urged any freight operators who have not yet applied for a safety permit to do so. The standards are set to tighten further in 2024, when the minimum DVS star rating will be three stars and above.