In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on road safety and reducing the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles One of the measures introduced to improve safety on the roads is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for lorries operating in London The DVS is aimed at reducing the number of collisions between lorries and vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians In this article, we will delve into what lorry DVS compliance entails and how fleet managers can ensure that their vehicles meet the required standards.
The Direct Vision Standard is a safety scheme that rates the level of a lorry driver’s direct vision from the driver’s cab Lorries are awarded a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows without the use of mirrors or cameras The scheme uses a star system ranging from zero stars (poor visibility) to five stars (excellent visibility) Lorries that do not meet the minimum one-star rating must be fitted with additional safety equipment to improve visibility.
To comply with the DVS, fleet managers must ensure that their vehicles are fitted with the necessary safety equipment to meet the required standards This may include retrofitting lorries with extra mirrors, side sensors, and cameras to eliminate blind spots and improve visibility around the vehicle Installing these safety features not only helps fleet managers comply with the DVS but also enhances the overall safety of their drivers and other road users.
In addition to retrofitting vehicles, fleet managers must also ensure that their drivers receive adequate training on how to operate lorries safely and be aware of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians Training should cover topics such as blind spots, safe turning procedures, and how to interact with other road users to prevent accidents Lorry DVS Compliance. By investing in driver training, fleet managers can reduce the risk of collisions and improve road safety for everyone.
Moreover, fleet managers should regularly monitor and maintain their vehicles to ensure they remain in compliance with the DVS standards This includes conducting regular inspections of the safety equipment, such as mirrors and sensors, to check for any defects or malfunctions Vehicles that fail to meet the required standards must be taken out of service until the necessary repairs or adjustments are made to ensure compliance.
To assist fleet managers in ensuring lorry DVS compliance, Transport for London (TfL) has developed an online tool called the ‘Safety Permit Scheme’ This scheme allows fleet operators to check the DVS star rating of their vehicles and apply for a safety permit if they meet the required standards Vehicles that do not comply with the DVS can still apply for a permit by demonstrating that they have installed the necessary safety equipment to improve visibility.
Fleet managers should also be aware of any upcoming changes to the DVS standards and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments to their vehicles and operations For example, TfL is planning to introduce a new ‘Progressive Safe System’ requirement for lorries operating in London, which will mandate the use of advanced safety features such as audible warnings, cyclist detection systems, and autonomous emergency braking Fleet managers must stay informed about these changes to ensure their vehicles remain compliant with the latest safety standards.
In conclusion, lorry DVS compliance is essential for fleet managers to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving lorries and vulnerable road users By retrofitting vehicles with the necessary safety equipment, providing driver training, and monitoring compliance with the DVS standards, fleet managers can ensure that their vehicles meet the required safety standards and contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.