DVS requirements in London are changing

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements in London are changing from 28th October 2024. If you have operations that work in or have occasion to be in Greater London, you should note these changes:

Operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes must obtain a safety permit before entering and operating in most of Greater London.

To improve the safety of all road users, the minimum DVS rating requirement is rising from one star to three stars, ensuring any HGV vehicle over 12 tonnes must have a minimum three-star rating or fit a ‘Progressive Safe System’ to obtain a safety permit before entering and operating in Greater London areas. Any existing HGV safety permits will be valid until midnight on 27th October 2024.

The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab window. A star rating from zero (poor) to five (good) is used to indicate the level of risk to vulnerable road users such as people walking, wheeling, and cycling.

Once the new changes come in to affect from 24th October 2024, if your vehicle falls below a three-star rating, vehicles must have the Progressive Safe System fitted before applying for a safety permit.

The Progressive Safe System will include camera monitoring systems, sensors, moving off information systems, warning signage and audio warnings.

Failure to have a valid safety permit from 28th October 2024 can result in a PCN.

Applying for a permit is free of charge. The HGV safety permit scheme will cover most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

For more information on the DVS requirement changes visit the: Transport for London website here, which includes general information and guidance on how to prepare and apply for safety permits.