Huge rule change affecting 250,000 drivers will hit in days – everything you need to know to avoid fine
A HUGE rule change affecting more than 250,000 drivers will hit in days.
From October 28, HGV drivers in London will need to follow a range of new safety rules to avoid big fines.
HGVs will now be given a Direct Vision Standard score based on how well the driver can see from their cab without mirrors or cameras.
The DVS measures the exact volume of space an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windscreen.
All HGVs in London will be given a DVS star rating between zero and five.
A rating of zero means drivers can see very little through their cab windows.
But a rating of five means they have an excellent view of everything going on around them.
To achieve even a one-star rating, HGV drivers must be able to see the head and shoulders of 99% of adults from the front and side.
And to operate in London, HGVs over 12 tonnes will need at least a three-star rating.
If they cannot achieve this, HGVs must be fitted with up-to-date safety features known as the Progressive Safe System (PSS).
The PSS requires top-grade mirrors or monitoring system, a nearside camera, side sensors and blind spot systems, and audio warning units.
Transport for London said there will be a three-month grace period starting on October 28 for HGV drivers to adjust.
Around 268,000 people worked as HGV drivers between June 2020 and June 2021.
Progressive Safe System rules
ANY HGV over 12 tonnes with a DSV rating of two stars or lower must have:
- Class V and VI mirrors, or an ECE R46 approved monitoring system (CMS), or a combination of both.
- A nearside camera to completely eliminate the nearside blind spot.
- Side sensors to ensure full coverage down the nearside of the cab and trailer (but which are not triggered by roadside furniture or stationary vehicles).
- Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) fitted to the front of vehicles to prevent frontal blind spot collisions when moving off.
- Audio warning units to allow the HGV to warn other road users of intended manoeuvres.