This year, Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) will require you to have a ‘progressive safe system’ installed to help you achieve a 3-star rating. So what exactly is a ‘progressive safe system’? Why do you need it? And how does it help you to achieve a 3-star DVS rating?
In 2020, Transport for London (TfL) introduced new legislation for vehicles over 12 tonnes entering London, requiring them to have the following kit installed:
- Camera monitoring system fitted to the vehicle’s nearside
- Class V and VI mirrors
- Blind spot sensors fitted to the vehicle’s nearside
- Side under-run protection on both sides
- Audible warning alert when the vehicle turns left
- Prominent visual warning signage
This was a part of the Direct Vision Standard, a scheme set to eliminate HGV-related injuries and deaths in London. With this kit installed, vehicles achieved a 1-star rating and could operate in London freely.
Since the launch of TfL’s Direct Vision Standard, fatal accidents linked to poor driver visibility have dropped by 75%. To push safety even further, TfL is introducing stricter requirements for HGVs operating in Greater London.
Starting 28 October 2024, all vehicles over 12 tonnes must meet the new Progressive Safe System standard to receive a valid safety permit. Vehicles that meet this requirement will earn a three-star rating, allowing them to operate legally within the city.
Operators who ignore the rules face a £550 Penalty Charge Notice, while drivers themselves risk a £250 fine. These penalties apply every time a non-compliant vehicle enters the enforcement zone.
To comply, haulage firms must upgrade their vehicles with the full suite of safety features introduced in 2020, plus new additions:
- Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) with active sensors
- Moving Off Information System (MOIS) using microwave or radar sensors
- Camera Monitoring System (CMS) or Class V and VI mirrors
- Side under-run protection on both sides
- Audible warnings for turning
- External warning signage
Operators must apply for a new permit under the Progressive Safe System rules, as previous permits expired on 27 October 2024. Without it, vehicles cannot legally operate in Greater London.
The previous requirement mandated that sensors alert your drivers to any detected objects. However, the updated scheme specifies that side sensors must now only detect moving objects, disregarding static items such as bins, benches, and lamp posts. The additional microwave sensors will alert your drivers to the presence of any objects or people within a few meters of the front of the vehicle.
Once the equipment has been fitted, your supplier will give you documentation which you can submit to Transport for London to ensure your vehicles can travel through the capital city, fine-free.
If you’re looking to achieve a 3-star rating and avoid facing fines, the team at HaulTech can help. Whether you need a full DVS kit or a ‘progressive safe system’ upgrade, we’ve got you covered and will support you in keeping avoiding those pesky fines.
To learn more about HaulTech’s DVS kits click here
call us on 01782 66 22 44 or say hello@haultech.co.uk.
