The introduction of what Transport for London (TfL) called its pioneering Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is being described as a success after the first year of enforcement saw a reduction in fatal collisions where vision is cited as a contributing factor.
The overall number of serious injuries involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2021 also fell, by 64% compared with 2017, from 48 to 17.
Nearly 200,000 safety permits have been issued to date and more than 112,000 HGVs have been fitted with safety measures to protect people walking and cycling, TfL reported.
The TfL Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Christina Calderato, said: “In its first year of enforcement, our world-first Direct Vision Standard has helped to dramatically improve the safety of lorries and save lives. We are delighted that nearly 200,000 permits have been issued and want to thank all of the freight operators who have led the way in ensuring they only operate the safest lorries in London and across the UK.”
She urged any freight operators who have not yet applied for a safety permit to do so.
The DVS scheme requires owners of HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes to apply for a free safety permit that assigns vehicles a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows before they can drive in London.
The scheme operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers all roads in London. The standards are set to tighten further in 2024 when the minimum DVS star rating will be three stars and above.
Last reviewed 29 July 2022
