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. Those who opposed the scheme and entered London without the relevant equipment received a £550 Penalty Charge Notice to the company and the drivers themselves received a £250 fine. Since the scheme’s debut, there has been a 75% decrease in fatal accidents attributed to impaired vision. Now TfL aim to decrease accidents even further by introducing new requirements.
From October 2024, vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes require a ‘progressive safe system’ installed. The system will give your vehicles a 3-star rating. Without the 3-star rating, your haulage firm faces the same punishments as before, a £550 Penalty Charge Notice whilst your drivers will be slapped with a £250 fine. To achieve the ‘progressive safe system’, your vehicles will need all of the original equipment from 2020 with upgraded side sensors and a moving-off information system known as a microwave sensor.
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.
