As cities around the world strive to become more pedestrian-friendly and reduce traffic accidents, many are implementing new regulations to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. One such regulation is the fleet Direct Vision Standard, which has been introduced in London to improve the safety of large goods vehicles (LGVs) operating in the city.
The fleet Direct Vision Standard, also known as the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), was introduced by Transport for London (TfL) in an effort to reduce the number of accidents involving LGVs and vulnerable road users. LGVs are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions with cyclists and pedestrians, despite making up only a small percentage of the overall traffic on the road. In fact, research has shown that HGVs were involved in 63% of fatal collisions with cyclists in London between 2018 and 2020.
The fleet Direct Vision Standard is based on the principle that the driver’s field of vision from the cab of the vehicle is crucial in preventing accidents. Vehicles are assigned a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through the windows of the cab, without relying on mirrors or cameras. The higher the star rating, the better the driver’s visibility of vulnerable road users around them.
Under the Fleet Direct Vision Standard, all HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London must comply with the minimum DVS star rating requirements to obtain a safety permit. Vehicles are rated from zero to five stars, with zero stars indicating poor visibility and five stars indicating excellent visibility. Vehicles with a zero-star rating must be fitted with additional safety features, such as camera systems and sensors, to ensure that the driver has adequate visibility of the area around the vehicle.
The Fleet Direct Vision Standard is not only aimed at improving the safety of vulnerable road users but also at encouraging the adoption of safer vehicles and driving practices within the industry. By setting minimum standards for visibility in LGVs, TfL hopes to incentivize fleet operators to invest in safer vehicles and train their drivers to be more aware of their surroundings.
Fleet operators have been given a grace period to retrofit their existing vehicles to meet the DVS requirements, with enforcement of the standard beginning in March 2021. Vehicles that do not meet the minimum star rating requirements will be subject to fines and possible restrictions on operating within Greater London.
The introduction of the Fleet Direct Vision Standard has been met with a mix of support and criticism from the industry. While many fleet operators recognize the importance of improving safety on the roads, some have expressed concerns about the cost of retrofitting their vehicles and the practicality of implementing the standard across their entire fleet.
However, the benefits of the Fleet Direct Vision Standard are clear. By improving the visibility of drivers in LGVs, the standard has the potential to significantly reduce the number of accidents involving vulnerable road users, ultimately saving lives and preventing serious injuries. In addition, the standard may also lead to a more efficient and sustainable transport system, as safer vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents and disruptions to the flow of traffic.
As cities continue to implement regulations to improve road safety and reduce the impact of large vehicles on the urban environment, the Fleet Direct Vision Standard serves as a model for how industry standards can be used to drive positive change. By prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users and incentivizing fleet operators to invest in safer vehicles, the standard has the potential to make a significant impact on the future of urban transport.