Direct Vision Standard: London Safety Permit
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS), designed to reduce the number of accidents in London, will be enforced from March 1, 2021. All heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 12 metric tons must have a safety permit in order to enter the city. This legislation also applies to vehicles from outside of the United Kingdom.
London is a busy city with a population of 8.7 million. The city's narrow streets are filled each day not only with pedestrians and cyclists but also with trucks, vans, cars, taxis and buses. The increasing volume of traffic on the roads means that there is a high risk of accidents, and with trucks, pedestrians and cyclists all using the same space, the situation is particularly hazardous. This busy metropolis is introducing the Direct Vision Standard in order to reduce the volume of accidents.
What Is the Direct Vision Standard?
The Direct Vision Standard is a safety permit for vehicles that weigh in excess of 12 metric tons.
The legislation is based on a star rating system that indicates how good a view operators have of other road users from their cab. The system rates the vehicles from zero to five stars. The star ratings are assigned in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturers and are based on the condition of the vehicle when it rolls off the production line.
Vehicles that meet the legislative requirements will be granted a permit to enter Greater London.
When Will I Receive My Direct Vision Standard Permit?
Vehicles will be rated from zero to five stars depending on how good the view of other road users is from the cab. Vehicles with a rating of at least one star can apply for the DVS permit. Vehicles with a zero rating can make Safe System retrofits in order to obtain a permit. A Safe System as defined by Transport for London must include the following equipment:
- A Class V mirror fitted to the side of the vehicle;
- A Class VI mirror fitted to the front of the vehicle;
- Side-underrun protection on both sides of the vehicle unless this is impractical or impossible;
- Vehicle signage in the form of external stickers and markings to warn vulnerable road users of the hazards in the area around the vehicle;
- A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user fitted to the side of the vehicle;
- An acoustic warning system fitted to the side of the vehicle to alert vulnerable road users when a vehicle is maneuvering;
- A fully operational camera and monitoring system fitted to the vehicle.
SideEye Active Camera and Radar Detection System
The SideEye active camera and radar detection system from Stoneridge-Orlaco meets the requirements of the Direct Vision Standard.
This blind spot warning system uses a combination of radar signals, audio signals and camera images. Furthermore, a monitor overlay provides an indication on the 7" display when there is someone in the blind spot. SideEye also provides visual and acoustic alerts for drivers as soon as other road users are detected in the truck's detection zone on the passenger side.
In addition, the powerful speaker on the side of the vehicle alerts vulnerable road users when the vehicle is maneuvering.
Will I Be Fined if I Do Not Have a DVS Permit?
The DVS system is managed by Transport for London (TfL). Permits are issued digitally by TfL. This means that transport operators will not receive a certificate or a hard-copy permit; instead, they will be provided with a reference number by email.
Vehicles will be checked using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): The number plates of vehicles entering London will be cross-checked against the TfL database of registered vehicles that have valid permits. A fine of £550 will be issued for any vehicle entering London without a permit, and drivers will also receive a further fine of £130.
How Can I Obtain a DVS Permit?
Stoneridge-Orlaco has a network of partners across the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Through our Preferred Partner Network, we can offer our products and services in a variety of locations. Thanks to direct support from Stoneridge-Orlaco and local expertise, our partners can ensure that clients receive the best advice. If you provide us with your details, we will contact you to help you with your DVS permit.