From the 28th of October 2024, Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs) in London will be subjected to a range of new safety rules. The two main regulations that will be introduced will be the Direct Vision Standards (DVS) and the Progressive Safe System (PSS). Heavy Goods Vehicles in London over 12 tonnes will be required to have a minimum three-star DVS rating, should a vehicle not be able to follow this, the HGV must be fitted with a system of updated safety features which would be referred to as the Progressive Safe System (PSS).
The Direct Vision Standard Rating (DVS) refers to a measure of how much a driver can see directly from their Heavy Good Vehicle cab without using mirrors and cameras. The minimum DVS put in place ensures that HGVs meet specific visibility standards which would reduce blind spots and in turn provide drives with a clearer view. Putting this in place will be essential in helping minimize risks, especially in busy urban areas. The Progressive Safe System (PSS) encourages HGVs to adopt additional safety features such as sensors and cameras to improve overall safety.
From 2024, the PSS will make rules that were previously optional compulsory. These rules are:
- A nearside camera must be installed to eliminate blind spots.
- An Audio warning must be installed to let other road users know about any manoeuvres.
- Class V and VI mirrors, or an ECE R46-approved monitoring system (CMS), or a combination of both.
- Side sensors must be fitted so that there is full coverage down the nearside cab and trailer, these should not be triggered by roadside furniture or stationary vehicles.
- Moving off Information (MOI) systems must be fitted to prevent collisions in the front blind spot.
Transport for London (TFL) will be enforcing these changes from October 2028, however, there will be a three-month grace period to give operators time to comply with DVS and PSS. The London Committee Council has said that they will review whether an extension is needed to get all HGVs complying, this extension may go up to June 2024.
