In an effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving lorries, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, introduced the Lorry Direct Vision Standard in 2019. This standard, also known as the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), aims to make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to share the road with large goods vehicles by improving the visibility from the driver’s cab.
The DVS measures how much a driver can see directly through their cab windows, without the use of mirrors or cameras. Lorries are given a star rating based on the amount of direct vision they provide, with zero stars indicating the lowest level of visibility and five stars indicating the highest. To operate in London, lorries must meet a minimum one-star rating, with plans to increase this requirement to three stars by 2024.
The introduction of the DVS has been met with both praise and criticism. Advocates argue that it is a necessary step to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of accidents involving lorries. According to Transport for London (TfL), HGVs are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions with cyclists and pedestrians, despite making up only 4% of the traffic on London’s roads.
By improving visibility from the driver’s cab, the DVS aims to reduce blind spots and give drivers a better view of their surroundings, making it easier to spot pedestrians and cyclists. This, in turn, should lead to fewer accidents and ultimately save lives. In fact, TfL estimates that implementing the DVS could prevent around 63 deaths and serious injuries in London each year.
However, the DVS has also faced criticism from some in the haulage industry. Critics argue that the cost of retrofitting or replacing existing vehicles to meet the DVS requirements is prohibitive for many small businesses. With the COVID-19 pandemic already putting a strain on the industry, some fear that the additional expense of upgrading their fleets could force them out of business.
There are also concerns that the DVS may not be effective in practice. While improving visibility from the driver’s cab is undoubtedly important, there are other factors that contribute to road safety, such as driver training and behavior, vehicle maintenance, and road infrastructure. Some argue that focusing solely on visibility may not address the root causes of accidents involving lorries.
Despite these criticisms, the DVS has already had a positive impact on road safety in London. According to TfL, over 80% of lorries operating in the city now meet the one-star rating required to drive within the Low Emission Zone. This means that the majority of lorries on London’s roads are now safer for vulnerable road users.
In addition to the DVS, the Mayor of London has also introduced a Safety Permit Scheme, which requires lorries over 12 tonnes to obtain a permit to operate in Greater London. To qualify for a permit, operators must meet certain safety requirements, including complying with the DVS and fitting additional safety features such as sideguards and blind spot warning stickers.
The introduction of the DVS and the Safety Permit Scheme are part of a wider effort to improve road safety and air quality in London. With the Mayor’s ambitious target of zero deaths on London’s roads by 2041, initiatives like the DVS play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
While the DVS may have its limitations and challenges, there is no denying the positive impact it has already had on road safety in London. By improving visibility from the driver’s cab and encouraging safer practices among lorry operators, the DVS is helping to save lives and make the city’s roads safer for everyone. As other cities look to London as a model for improving road safety, the DVS serves as a beacon of hope for a future where accidents involving lorries are a thing of the past.
In conclusion, the Lorry Direct Vision Standard is a vital step towards creating safer roads for all. By improving visibility from the driver’s cab and encouraging safer practices among lorry operators, the DVS is helping to reduce accidents and save lives. While there may be challenges and criticisms, the positive impact of the DVS cannot be ignored. Hopefully, other cities will follow London’s lead and implement similar standards to protect vulnerable road users and make roads safer for everyone.