New rules regarding safety permits for vehicles over 12 tonne come into force in October 2020.
London has the highest number of cyclist v HGV accidents in the country, nearly twice the national average.
From October 2020 all vehicles (other than exemptions) over 12 tonne will need a safety permit to operate in London.
Firstly, each vehicle needs to comply with a DSV (Direct Vision Standard) star rating. From 2020 the minimum requirement is 1 star increasing to 3 star in 2024.
The Principal requirement – direct vision.
The vehicle star rating requires all vehicles to obtain a star rating under the DVS system.Every vehicle must meet a minimum DVS star rating of one star, unless exempt from the scheme. This will ensure a minimum standard of a driver’s direct field of view and reduce the risk of close-proximity blind spot collisions.
In addition, vehicles will need to be fitted with Safe system equipment as follows, including:
»» Class V and VI mirrors
»» Sideguards
»» Camera monitoring system
»» Sensor system with driver alert
»» Left-turn audible alarm
»» Warning signage
