Emergency tests for radar systems over safety concerns

Emergency testing bays have been opened in Leeds and Tamworth to check whether radar systems used by thousands of heavy good vehicles (HGVs) that travel through London are safe.

Commercial fleet safety firm SM UK has taken this step-in response to growing concerns within the industry that the MOIS Radar Systems fitted are not compliant with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) criteria all HGVs need to adhere to.

SM UK’s response comes following from the release of a video highlighting the failure of radar systems during a DVS compliance tests.

Steve MacDonald, Chairman of SM UK, said: “Given the ground swell of concern we have experienced with operators asking if they are compliant, we have with immediate effect taken a proactive measure to open an emergency HGV bay within our workshop to test whether the radar system fitted meets the TfL DVS standard.

“Getting the right kit fitted is paramount not just for the fleet operator but also to make sure vulnerable road users are not hurt. At SM UK we have been advocates of commercial fleet safety for 25 years.”  

Emergency bays

SM UK is opening emergency bays with immediate effect to facilitate testing of any radar systems suspected of non-compliance.

The initiative aims to provide commercial vehicle operators with a reliable and efficient means of verifying the compliance of their radar systems, ensuring they meet the required DVS standard.

By offering this emergency testing service, SM UK says it wants to support commercial vehicle operators in identifying non-compliant radar systems, thereby enhancing overall safety standards and minimising risks associated with DVS non-compliance.

Safety on the road is paramount, and SM UK urges all commercial vehicle operators to prioritise compliance with DVS regulations to protect drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Many in the industry are calling for a rethink on deadlines for operators struggling to meet TfL's DVS standard – especially in light of the more sophisticated technology now required.

Emily Hardy, marketing manager in the UK for Brigade, recently told Fleet News that the “unprecedented demand” for safety systems means many operators will struggle to meet TfL’s deadline.