The Direct Vision Standard has been the law now for more than half a year and we are often asked questions by fleet managers who want to make sure they are compliant – so we have decided to compile a number of the top questions and answer them all at once.

What is the New Direct Vision Standard?

All HGVs over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London must either have a DVS Star Rating of at least 3, or fit a Progressive Safe System. It is also known as DVS 2 or Direct Vision Standard Phase 2.

Where Does the Direct Vision Standard Apply?

Currently this standard has not been adopted outside Greater London, but it’s not uncommon for other major cities to adopt London initiatives. Greater Manchester is already tipped to adopt a similar strategy, and Birmingham already has something similar in its Road Harm Reduction Strategy introduced earlier this year.

What Exemptions Exist to the Direct Vision Standard?

There are no exemptions for the Direct Vision Standard, but there is a reason some think there might be. Introduced in the same Vision Zero plan was the HGV Safety Permit Scheme, and some vehicles are exempt from this.

These include specialist construction vehicles designed primarily for off-road use – telehandlers and mobile cranes, for example. It also includes breakdown/recovery vehicles, some military vehicles, and emergency service (“blue light”) vehicles.

What is a Progressive Safe System?

A Progressive Safe System (PSS) is an enhanced version of the older DVS system. It enhances driver visibility, using cameras and other detection technology to eliminate blind spots. Our own PSS combines multiple items we’d developed to enhance vulnerable road user safety.

What Does DVS Compliant Mean?

Your vehicle is said to be DVS compliant if it weighs over 12 tonnes and has a DVS star rating of 3 or higher and/or is fitted with a Progressive Safe System.

If you have any more specific questions, you can contact us directly at the form below.