In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving road safety and reducing the environmental impact of transportation One area that has received particular attention is the safety of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, around large vehicles like lorries In response to this, Transport for London (TfL) has introduced the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for lorries operating in Greater London Fleet managers need to be aware of and ensure compliance with this new regulation to continue operating legally and safely.
The Direct Vision Standard is a safety standard that rates how much a lorry driver can see directly through their cab windows Lorries are given a star rating from zero to five based on how much the driver can see, with zero being the lowest and five being the highest Lorries rated zero or one star are required to have additional safety measures to mitigate the risks to vulnerable road users This includes fitting cameras and sensors to eliminate blind spots, warning alerts for cyclists and pedestrians, and side guards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision.
It is crucial for fleet managers to ensure that all lorries operating in Greater London meet the DVS requirements to avoid fines and penalties Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £550 per day for each lorry that does not meet the standard Furthermore, lorries that do not comply with DVS regulations risk being banned from entering Greater London altogether, which could have a significant impact on operations and delivery schedules.
To ensure compliance with the Direct Vision Standard, fleet managers should take the following steps:
1 Check the DVS star rating of each lorry in the fleet: Fleet managers should check the DVS star rating of each lorry in their fleet to determine if any vehicles are rated zero or one star If a lorry is rated zero or one star, it will need to be retrofitted with additional safety features to comply with the standard.
2 Lorry DVS Compliance. Retrofit lorries with additional safety features: Lorries rated zero or one star will need to be retrofitted with additional safety features to improve visibility and reduce blind spots This may include installing additional mirrors, cameras, sensors, and warning alerts to ensure that the driver has a clear view of the surrounding area.
3 Train lorry drivers on DVS compliance: Fleet managers should provide training to lorry drivers on the requirements of the Direct Vision Standard and how to operate their vehicles safely in compliance with the regulations Drivers should be made aware of the blind spots around their vehicles and how to use the additional safety features effectively.
4 Keep up to date with DVS regulations: Fleet managers should stay informed about any updates or changes to the Direct Vision Standard to ensure ongoing compliance TfL may introduce new requirements or standards in the future, and fleet managers need to be prepared to adapt their operations accordingly.
5 Monitor and track compliance: Fleet managers should regularly monitor and track the compliance of their lorries with the DVS regulations This may involve conducting regular checks and inspections of vehicles, reviewing camera footage, and analyzing data to identify any areas for improvement.
In addition to complying with the Direct Vision Standard, fleet managers should also consider other measures to improve the safety of their operations and reduce the risk to vulnerable road users This may include implementing additional training programs for drivers, installing advanced safety features on lorries, and promoting awareness of road safety among all employees.
By ensuring compliance with the Direct Vision Standard and implementing additional safety measures, fleet managers can not only avoid fines and penalties but also demonstrate their commitment to improving road safety and protecting vulnerable road users Ultimately, by prioritizing safety and compliance, fleet managers can contribute to creating a safer and more sustainable transportation system for all road users.