Safety at Heathrow
Safety At Heathrow providing technical services in secure environments In
Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
safety permit requirements
Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
safety permit requirements
The Direct Vision Standard comes into enforcement on March 1st 2021
Are you ready?
Transport For London are launching the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) this means that for fleet operators, if your vehicle is over 12 tonnes and fails to reach a certain safety level, known as a star rating. You will need to ensure the vehicle is equipped with a Safe System and obtain a HGV Safety Permit if you wish to operate within Greater London. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to £550 per day.
Fleet Witness can help you navigate the process, make sure you’re compliant and avoid those fines. We also take a wider view and will advise on measures to provide a return on investment outside of meeting the minimum requirements.
What do you need to do?
We have broken the process down into 3 simple steps:
- Find the star rating for your vehicle
This is the first step to establish what equipment you will require. You can contact your vehicle manufacturer, or simply send us a fleet list and we’ll complete this work for you free of charge.
- Install the necessary equipment and signage
Fleet Witness have spent the last 2-years designing and testing our own Blind Spot Detection kit. We have put together packages for the minimum required to achieve DVS compliance through to solutions that go a step further, providing a better return on investment for your fleet.
- Apply for a HGV Safety Permit
Once your equipment is installed. You will need to provide photos and complete the application form. If Fleet Witness have installed the equipment we will provide photos and help prepare your HGV Safety Permit application ready to submit to Transport For London.
More Information
Understanding the DVS rating score system
The score system is based on the drivers direct visibility whilst sat in the driving seat. If your vehicle scores zero stars then you will be required to fit a Safe System. As you can see below most trucks currently on the road will fall into this category.
Case Studies
Reive and Grossart Haulage
Reive and Grossart Haulage understanding and working to improve your
| Category | Description |
| A | Zero Star Eye Point |
| B | One Star Eye Point |
| C | Two Star Eye Point |
| D | Three Star Eye Point |
More Information
Understanding the DVS rating score system
The score system is based on the drivers direct visibility whilst sat in the driving seat. If your vehicle scores zero stars then you will be required to fit a Safe System. As you can see below most trucks currently on the road will fall into this category.
| Category | Description |
| A | Zero Star Eye Point |
| B | One Star Eye Point |
| C | Two Star Eye Point |
| D | Three Star Eye Point |
Understanding the DVS rating score system
The score system is based on the drivers direct visibility whilst sat in the driving seat. If your vehicle scores zero stars then you will be required to fit a Safe System. As you can see below most trucks currently on the road will fall into this category.
| Category | Description |
| A | Zero Star Eye Point |
| B | One Star Eye Point |
| C | Two Star Eye Point |
| D | Three Star Eye Point |
More Information
DVS Safe System Requirements
A class V mirror must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle
A class VI mirror must be fitted to the front of the vehicle
Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle (except where this is impractical or proves to be impossible)
External pictorial stickers and markings must be displayed on vehicles to warn vulnerable road users of the hazards around the vehicle
A sensor system that alerts the driver to the presence of a vulnerable road user must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle
Audible vehicle manoeuvring warning must be fitted to warn vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left
A fully operational camera monitoring system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle
DVS FAQs
- What is a Safe System?
The Safe System is a series of vehicle
safety measures (fitted after point of
manufacture) which are designed to
reduce the risks that HGVs present to
people walking and cycling. - Is it a legal requirement?
Yes, it is unlawful to operate a HGV over 12T within Greater London after the 1st March 2021. Doing so could result in fines of up to £550. - Does the side camera need to be recording?
No the camera is not required to record under the terms & conditions of the DVS. However, we would suggest that whilst you have gone to the expense of installing the camera it would be advantageous to pair it with a front facing camera and have both recording. - How do I obtain a permit?
You can apply to TfL, there is no charge for the application itself. Fleet Witness can help with this process.
- Is the DVS scheme in place anywhere outside London?
No, not currently. - What happens if the Safe System equipment fails and I’m caught in breach of the permit scheme?
TfL have the ability to revoke Safety Permits if you are found to be in breach of the conditions. As such, it is important the system is working correctly. Fleet Witness’ Blind Spot Detection kits have a remote health check function. This means that if you have the equipment linked with one our live platforms it will tell you if a sensor fails. - How long does it take to have a vehicle installed with a Safe System?
The minimum equipment required will take 3-4 hours to install, depending on the vehicle. - Will I also qualify for FORs?
Yes, the equipment installed will also be relevant for FORs silver certification but only if a reverse alarm is also present.
