From October 2024, HGVs driving in London will be subjected to a range of new safety rules.
In this post we’ll outline the new HGV safety rules for London to help you prepare for the changes, whether you’re an HGV driver or a fleet manager.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your legal obligations as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
What is a Direct Vision Standard Rating?
The DVS is a measure of how much a driver can see directly from their HGV cab without using mirrors or cameras. It’s an objective measurement of the exact volume of space that a driver can see directly though their cab windows, weighted by risk to other users.
The new rules for HGVs in London relate to the vehicles’ Direct Vision Standard (DVS) score.
All HGVs have a DVS rating between zero and five. A rating of zero means that a driver can see very little from their cab windows, whereas a rating of five means that they have an excellent view of the area around them.
A high DSV rating means that other road users can get close to the HGV while remaining visible to the driver. But to achieve even a one star rating, at least the head and shoulders of 99% of the European adult population must be visible within an acceptable distance at the front and side.
You can read a full explanation of DSV ratings, and how they’re calculated.
New Rules For Minimum DVS Scores For HGVs in London From 2024
From 28 October 2024, to operate in Greater London, HGVs over 12 tonnes will be required to have a minimum three star DVS rating. Failing this, HGVs must be fitted with a system of updated safety features known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS).
PSS Enhancements
The current DVS “Safe System” recommends certain elements designed to improve visibility and detection for HGVs. The new PSS, which will also come into force in 2024, simply mandates the elements which are currently only recommended.
Any HGV over 12 tonnes with a DSV rating of two stars or lower must have:
- Class V and VI mirrors, or an ECE R46 approved monitoring system (CMS), or a combination of both.
- A nearside camera to completely eliminate the nearside blind spot.
- Side sensors to ensure full coverage down the nearside of the cab and trailer (but which are not triggered by roadside furniture or stationary vehicles).
- Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) fitted to the front of vehicles to prevent frontal blind spot collisions when moving off.
- Audio warning units to allow the HGV to warn other road users of intended manoeuvres.
HGV New Safety Rules for London 2024 – Are You Prepared?
Transport for London has said that there will be a three-month grace period from 28 October 2024 for operators to comply with the new DSV and PSS requirements. The London Council Committee has said that they will consider whether a further extension’s needed in June 2024.
Regardless, if you drive an HGV or manage a fleet that operates in Greater London, the sooner you achieve compliance with these new requirements, the better. It might be that your HGV already meets the standards. But if not, you should aim to invest in the required additional PSS elements as soon as possible.
This isn’t the only change that HGV owner operators and fleet managers should be aware of:
- New rules on the length of HGVs allowed on UK roads.
- An introduction to new HGV and PSV MOT inspection manuals.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your insurance needs as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
