The implementation of the Lorry Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in London has been a significant development in improving road safety for all road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians. The DVS is a safety standard that requires all heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to have a permit to operate in Greater London, based on the level of visibility the driver has from the vehicle’s cab. The aim of the standard is to reduce the number of collisions and fatalities involving vulnerable road users by ensuring that drivers have better visibility of their surroundings.
One of the main reasons for the implementation of the DVS is the high number of fatal collisions involving heavy goods vehicles and vulnerable road users in London. According to Transport for London (TfL), between 2015 and 2017, HGVs were involved in 23% of pedestrian fatalities and 58% of cyclist fatalities in the city, despite making up only 4% of vehicle traffic. These statistics highlight the disproportionate impact that HGVs have on vulnerable road users and the urgent need to improve safety standards for these vehicles.
The DVS works by assigning vehicles a star rating based on how much direct vision the driver has from the cab. Vehicles are rated from zero to five stars, with zero being the lowest rating and five being the highest. To operate in Greater London, vehicles must meet a minimum one-star rating, which means that the driver has some visibility of the area directly in front of the cab. Vehicles with a zero-star rating are banned from entering Greater London unless they have additional safety equipment installed to improve visibility.
The DVS takes into account factors such as window size, mirror design, and blind spots to determine the level of visibility the driver has from the cab. By prioritizing direct vision over reliance on technology such as cameras and sensors, the DVS aims to ensure that drivers have a clear view of their surroundings and can make informed decisions to prevent collisions with vulnerable road users.
In addition to improving visibility from the cab, the DVS also encourages the use of additional safety equipment such as sideguards and sensors to further enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Sideguards are panels fitted to the sides of a vehicle to prevent cyclists and pedestrians from falling under the wheels in the event of a collision, while sensors provide audible alerts to the driver when a vulnerable road user is in close proximity to the vehicle.
The implementation of the DVS has not been without its challenges, particularly for operators with older vehicles that do not meet the required star rating. Retrofitting vehicles with additional safety equipment can be costly, and some operators have raised concerns about the financial burden of upgrading their fleets to comply with the standard. However, the benefits of improved safety for vulnerable road users far outweigh the costs, and the DVS is a necessary step towards creating a safer road environment for all.
In addition to reducing the risk of collisions and fatalities, the DVS also has the potential to create a level playing field for operators by setting a minimum safety standard that all vehicles must meet to operate in Greater London. By ensuring that all HGVs have a minimum level of visibility from the cab, the DVS levels the playing field for operators and helps to create a safer and more efficient road transport system.
The DVS is just one part of a wider strategy to improve road safety in London and reduce the number of collisions involving vulnerable road users. Other initiatives such as the Safer Lorry Scheme, which requires all HGVs over 3.5 tonnes to be fitted with sideguards and mirrors to improve visibility, and the Direct Vision Standard Permit scheme, which requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to obtain a permit to operate in Greater London, are also making significant contributions to improving safety on the city’s roads.
Overall, the implementation of the Lorry Direct Vision Standard in London is a positive step towards creating a safer road environment for all road users. By prioritizing direct vision and visibility from the cab, the DVS aims to reduce the number of collisions and fatalities involving vulnerable road users and create a more level playing field for operators. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of improved safety far outweigh the costs, and the DVS is an essential component of a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety in London.