DVS confusion continues ahead of October deadline

Fleet operators are being warned of potential confusion around the upcoming Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Progressive Safe System (PSS) update.

Set to come into force on 28 October, the DVS update requires HGVs over 12 tonnes that do not meet the minimum requirement of three stars to install additional devices in order to alert drivers to vulnerable road users who enter into a vehicle’s blind spot.

While the previous specification outlined during the first round of DVS requirements in 2019 mandated the installation of a ‘safe system’, which entailed a combination of supplementary safety equipment to be retrofitted onto each vehicle, under the new guidance operators must implement and install new technologies to attain a safety permit that enables them to enter or operate in London.

Vehicle CCTV camera solution provider Centrad has revealed that there still remains much confusion among operators as a result of conflicting advice being relayed to them by suppliers, in particular what technology complies with the latest PSS mandate.

The guidance from TfL states that alongside Class V and VI mirrors or a CMS, audible warnings, side under-run protection and external signage, operators must now fit a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) as well as a Moving Off Information System (MOIS) if their vehicles do not meet the mandated three-star requirement.

There are also bespoke specifications for both the BSIS and MOIS which also must be adhered to. For the BSIS, TfL states that it must ensure full coverage down the nearside of rigid vehicles to detect vulnerable road users and must not activate when in close proximity to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. Similarly, the MOIS must be fitted to the front of a vehicle to warn the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user and prevent collisions at the front blind spot zone when a vehicle moves off from rest.

The technical specifications for both MOIS and BSIS are based upon UNECE R151 and R159 and must adhere to TfL’s operators guidance. Operators also need to adequately demonstrate that the equipment will not have an adverse effect on the other safety-critical systems required.

Geoff Cross, managing director of Centrad, said: “Despite being nearly 12 months on after the initial announcement from TfL, there still remains much confusion amongst operators, predominantly as a result of misinformation being spread on what Progressive Safe Systems are required to be retrofitted onto their vehicles so they comply with the incoming changes.

“We are receiving an alarming number of enquiries in particular regarding operators being recommended non-compliant or cheap equipment from suppliers, both of which will result in them being unable to attain a valid permit, and as such lead them to incur repeated penalty charges or at worst reduce or halt their operations altogether.

“Operators ultimately need to heed caution when aligning themselves to a DVS partner as there seem to be several new entrants coming into the market that lack both a detailed understanding of the latest updates and insist on supplying inferior equipment to customers. Partnering with the correct supplier, and subsequently agreeing a strategically thought out and complaint DVS transition plan, is also crucial to ensure that vehicles are retrofitted prior to the October deadline.”