In a move to prioritise road safety, Transport for London (TfL) has announced substantial changes to the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes. From October 2024, these vehicles will be required to have a minimum three-star DVS rating or implement an advanced safety system known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to operate in Greater London. This decision, approved by the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, is set to significantly improve HGV safety in the city.

The DVS star rating is determined by the driver’s direct vision through the vehicle’s cab windows, particularly in areas where collisions are more likely to occur. Fatal collisions linked to vision impairment have decreased by half from 2018 to 2021 and continue to decline, reinforcing the effectiveness of London’s HGV safety permit scheme and aligning with the Vision Zero goal to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads.

As of now, more than 94% of HGVs operating in London already comply with the safety permit scheme, with operators building DVS requirements into their purchasing decisions. The new PSS system includes a range of safety features such as updated guidance on mirrors and Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS), enhancements to address blind spots, Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS), and audio warnings for all vehicles. TfL is working closely with the industry to monitor readiness and assess the need for an extension to the grace period in June 2024.

Regular vehicle maintenance is the foundation of any fleet’s success in winter. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Fluid Checks: Ensure that all vehicles have the correct antifreeze/coolant levels. This is vital to prevent engine freezing and damage.

Battery Inspection: Cold weather can be particularly hard on batteries. Make sure all batteries are fully charged and in good condition. Consider using battery blankets to keep them warm.

Tyre Maintenance: Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for traction in icy conditions. Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and consider switching to winter tyres for improved grip.

Oil Changes: Cold temperatures can cause oil to thicken, making it difficult for the engine to operate efficiently. Switch to a lower viscosity oil during the winter months.

Fuel prices play a pivotal role in the overall economic equilibrium and are subject to numerous contributing factors, including the cost of crude oil, taxes levied on fuel purchases, refining expenses, and transportation and distribution costs. Here are some key factors shaping fuel prices in the UK:

Crude Oil Prices: Undoubtedly, the cost of crude oil remains the single most significant determinant of fuel prices. Crude oil prices fluctuate in response to supply and demand dynamics. Presently, within the current economic climate, we observe a downward trend in crude oil prices following a sharp peak in July 2022. While various other elements influence diesel and petrol prices, it’s imperative not to overlook the strong correlation with crude oil prices.

Government Taxes: Government-imposed taxes on diesel and petrol purchases are typically aimed at offsetting infrastructure expenses and supporting environmental initiatives. In March 2022, the UK government reduced the Fuel Duty rate by 5p to counter rising costs. However, there have been indications of a potential Fuel Duty increase of up to 23% after March 2023. These signals serve as a warning to fleet managers about the prevailing economic uncertainties and emphasise the need for long-term cost-saving strategies.

Refining Costs: The cost of refining represents another significant factor influencing diesel and petrol prices. Refineries play a crucial role in transforming crude oil into usable fuel, and their operational costs inevitably impact consumers. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed record inflation affecting labour, energy, and raw material costs. Consequently, when refining expenses rise, diesel and petrol prices tend to follow suit.

The origin of the Direct Vision Standard can be traced back to the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to ultimately eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on the capital’s transportation network. To bolster this safety effort, an enhancement known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) will be introduced from October 2024, building upon the existing DVS Safe System.

Notably, within inner London, a concerning statistic revealed that 70% of cyclist fatalities over a three-year period could be attributed to poor visibility from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Since 2019, there has been a significant reduction in fatal collisions involving HGVs where impaired vision was a contributing factor. In an ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety for all, it will be mandatory for HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes to possess a minimum three-star rating for operation in Greater London. It’s worth noting that the current requirement for a DVS safety permit stands at a one-star rating, but this threshold will rise by October 2024, necessitating updates to existing vehicle configurations.

One of the critical concerns during fleet inactivity is the state of your vehicles’ batteries. Prolonged idleness can lead to battery depletion, potentially causing complications when it’s time to get your fleet back on the road. Fleet Witness offers a comprehensive battery status monitoring feature. With this tool, you can effortlessly access real-time voltage readings for each vehicle in your fleet.

The beauty of our battery status reports is that they span over months, providing a historical perspective on battery performance. By closely monitoring these reports, fleet managers can proactively address low or critical voltage levels, preventing battery-related issues that often arise from extended inactivity. This feature ensures that when the need arises, your vehicles are ready for action, eliminating costly downtime and battery replacements.

Truck cabs often serve as temporary homes for drivers during their journeys. However, leaving valuable items in plain sight can attract unwanted attention from thieves. Truck drivers should make it a practice to stow away valuable personal belongings such as electronics, wallets, and documents out of sight. Moreover, avoid displaying navigation devices, electronic gadgets, or even tools through the windows, as this can signal an opportunity for theft.