The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) assesses and rates how much a HGV driver can see directly from their cab in relation to other road users.
All trucks over 12 tonnes travelling into Greater London will soon be affected by the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which went live on 26th October 2019 and has been enforced from 1st March 2021. The DVS requires trucks over 12 tonnes to meet a set of enhanced vision requirements, in order that drivers are better able to see vulnerable road users.
DVS star ratings
Using a star system, the DVS rates HGVs from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest), based on how much a HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows, as opposed to indirectly through cameras or mirrors. Vehicles will have to meet 1 star level by 1st March 2021 and 3 star level by 2024.
Where this rating is zero star, or where a vehicle is unable to be rated, the vehicle shall be fitted with supplementary safety features which will be the conditions of the permit. Operators must be able to demonstrate compliance with these requirements when applying for the Safety Permit.
For more information go to tfl.gov.uk and search DVS.