Direct Vision Standard will not achieve zero vehicular harm, says FTA

By Matt de Prez

26 July 2019

The FTA is renewing its calls for the Mayor of London to realise the Direct Vision Standards (DVS) scheme is not the most effective way to achieve zero vehicular harm in the capital.

Direct vision standards will set out the area surrounding a truck cab the driver must be able to see without using mirrors or cameras, thus improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy at FTA, said: “The logistics sector is fully committed to improving road safety and takes its responsibility to do so very seriously; that’s why FTA is calling for the Mayor of London to realise that other strategies would deliver a far greater outcome.

“Technological development, along with internationally-agreed design standards and the retiming of deliveries to quieter periods, would provide a more robust and long-term safety solution than DVS alone visibility from the cab should be viewed as just one aspect of holistic approach to road safety.”

The first phase of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) commences in three months, when operators will have one year to apply for a permit to enter the centre of London.

Transport for London (TfL) has developed a five-star rating system to determine the amount of direct vision of the environment around it an HGV provides. Those vehicles which only meet the one-star rating will be automatically eligible for a permit, and therefore will be allowed to access into London, while those which are zero-star rated will need to prove that they meet the requirements of the new “safe system” to obtain a permit.

Chapman added: “While FTA is pleased to see TfL has listened closely to our advice and has taken onboard many of our practical suggestions, we hope the Mayor’s team will adopt a more comprehensive range of measures to fast-track zero vehicular harm in the capital. In the meantime, we urge logistics businesses to check the star rating of their vehicle fleets as soon as possible; the Safety Permit scheme opens in just three months.”

Click here to read more about how you can protect vulnerable road users and remain on the right side of safety legislation.