DIRECT VISION STANDARD - DVS

DIRECT VISION STANDARD - From 26th October 2020, all goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will require a permit to enter London.

Enforced by Transport for London (TfL), the legislation is based on a ‘star rating’ indicating how much a driver can see from the cab in relation to other road users.

This rating (0-5) is based on how the vehicle left the production line and will not take into account any aftermarket safety systems that have been fitted. HGVs that do not meet the minimum requirement of 1 star need to comply with the Safe System, which requires the installation of extra devices for indirect vision (similar to FORS & CLOCS specifications).

Complying with the Safe System will not alter the vehicle’s star rating, but will permit you to drive into Greater London.
Vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirement of 1 star, or those that have not complied with the Safe System, will be banned from entering Greater London from 26th October 2020.

Transport for London have responded: “Not complying with the scheme wouldn’t automatically lead to liability in the event of a collision. Whether freight operators would be liable in civil or criminal proceedings would primarily depend on the circumstances. However, compliance with best practice safety standards would be relevant.”