On Monday 4th September, Transport for London released their updated guidance on changes to their Direct Vision Standards (DVS).
If you have vehicles of 12 tonnes GVW or above running into the Capital, your vehicles are either rated 1 star or above or have the current Safe System in place. From October 2024, vehicles that do not meet a 3 star rating will need to have the new Progressive Safe System in place to avoid penalties.
If your fleet currently employs Microlise ClearVision multi-camera DVS solution, you’ll be pleased to hear that we are working on the upgrades to your current system to meet the new compliance levels. If you’re not a Microlise customer, you may wish to get in touch to find out more.
What are the Current Requirements for Direct Vision Standard Safe System?
The Direct Vision Standard rates vehicles (12 tonnes GVW and above) from zero to 5 stars based on the driver direct field of view, especially in relation to vulnerable road users. The aim has always been to reduce the risk of close proximity blind-spot collisions. Vehicles below a 1 star rating were required to install a DVS Safe System to gain the correct permission to drive in London. The current DVS Safe System includes:
Physical hardware:
- Class V and VI mirrors
- Side under-run protection (nearside and offside)
- Prominent visual warning signage (rear nearside vehicle graphic)
Technology requirements:
- Nearside blind-spot camera (with in-cab screen)
- External audible warning (left turn)
- Side sensors (nearside) with in-cab warning
What are the New Requirements for Direct Vision Standard Progressive Safe System (October 2024)?
Recently, Transport for London have updated the DVS requirements. From October 2024, vehicles of 12 tonnes GVW and above and rated below three stars (zero, 1 and 2) will need to install the new Progressive Safe System (or upgrade their current DVS Safe System to the new Progressive Safe System) in order to gain the correct permission to drive in London. The changes are as follows:
Physical hardware:
- Class V and VI mirrors (unchanged)
- Side under-run protection (nearside and offside) (unchanged)
- Prominent visual warning signage (rear nearside vehicle graphic) (unchanged)
Technology requirements:
- Nearside blind-spot camera (with in-cab screen) (unchanged)
- External audible warning (left turn) (unchanged)
- New AI blind-spot information system (nearside) with in-cab warning – Sensors must not activate in response to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles.
- New AI moving off information system (front) with in-cab warning – Sensor must be able to react to the presence of pedestrians and cyclists and alert the driver should the vehicle begin to pull away.
New permits will be needed for all vehicles rated under 3 stars travelling into London, even if your vehicle already has one for meeting the current requirements. You can check your vehicle star rating by entering its registration number here – https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/.
Any vehicles rated below 3 stars (zero, 1 and 2 stars) will need to have a Progressive Safe System fitted. Once fitted, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit to apply for a permit or multiple permits. Photographic evidence of your Progressive Safe System installation will be required.
Where in London is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Enforceable?
Direct Vision Standard regulation is currently in force, with permits compulsory, within the same area of Greater London as ULEZ and LEZ. DVS applies to all vehicles weighing more than 12 tonnes GVW, whether they are from the UK or traveling into London from overseas.
What does this mean to Microlise customers with the current DVS solution in place?
Microlise is committed to offering an upgrade to its existing DVS solution to comply with the new specification. More details will be provided over the coming weeks once our trial phase is complete.
The new solution will utilise existing technology components which have already been installed, aim to replace the items that require upgrade and install any new requirement. Complete installations can also be arranged for new vehicles.