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Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme

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Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and the HGV Safety Permit Scheme, especially in light of the 2024 updates and 2025 enforcement:

🚛 What Is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?
The DVS is a safety initiative by Transport for London (TfL) aimed at reducing road danger from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes operating in Greater London. It measures how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows, assigning a star rating from 0 to 5:

  • 0 stars = poor direct vision
  • 5 stars = excellent direct vision

🛡️ What Is the HGV Safety Permit Scheme?
To legally operate an HGV in most of Greater London, you must obtain a safety permit. This permit is based on your vehicle’s DVS star rating:

  • Vehicles rated 3 stars or higher automatically qualify.
  • Vehicles rated 0, 1, or 2 stars must be fitted with a Progressive Safe System (PSS) to qualify.

📅 Key Dates to Know

  • October 28, 2024: New DVS requirements take effect.
  • May 4, 2025: Enforcement begins. Vehicles without a valid permit may receive Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of up to £550.

🔧 What Is the Progressive Safe System (PSS)?
The PSS is an enhanced safety kit required for lower-rated vehicles. It includes:

  • Blind Spot Information System (BSIS): Alerts drivers to nearby road users.
  • Moving Off Information System (MOIS): Detects pedestrians/cyclists in front of the vehicle.
  • Side Underrun Protection: Prevents people from being dragged under the vehicle.
  • Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS): Improves visibility around the vehicle.

📍 Where Does This Apply?
The scheme covers most of Greater London, operating 24/7, year-round. You can check your vehicle’s star rating and permit status using TfL’s vehicle checker.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

  • No permit = PCN up to £550
  • Permit with outdated Safe System = invalid
  • Non-compliant installations = rejected permit application
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