Phase 2 of the Direct Vision Standard

What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)?

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a safety scheme introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to reduce the risk of fatal and serious collisions involving lorries and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Greater London. It requires all HGVs over 12 tonnes to hold a valid HGV Safety Permit before they can operate in London, with permit conditions that depend on the vehicle’s DVS star rating.

The DVS star rating measures how much a driver can see directly—through their own eyes, not cameras or mirrors—from the cab. Vehicles are rated from 0 to 5 stars based on their cab design, with higher-rated vehicles offering better direct visibility of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

What changed with Phase 2 of the DVS?

Phase 2 of the DVS came into effect on 28 October 2024, introducing stricter requirements for HGVs operating in London. The key changes were: all HGVs rated 0 stars must now meet the Progressive Safe System (PSS) requirements; HGVs rated 1 star and above must meet updated permit conditions; and the Progressive Safe System requirements were expanded to include a broader range of safety technologies.

Under Phase 2, 0-star rated vehicles are required to fit a Progressive Safe System, which includes specific camera monitoring systems, sensors, and other safety equipment designed to compensate for their limited direct vision. Without complying with these requirements, operators cannot obtain or renew their HGV Safety Permit and therefore cannot legally operate in London.

What is the Progressive Safe System (PSS)?

The Progressive Safe System is a set of safety technology requirements that 0-star DVS-rated HGVs must meet under Phase 2. The PSS requirements include: a Class VI mirror or camera monitoring system (CMS) providing a view to the front and nearside of the vehicle; a moving off information system (MOIS) to alert the driver of vulnerable road users when the vehicle moves off; and an audible vehicle manoeuvring alert (AVMA) to warn pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is turning.

In addition, Phase 2 encourages operators to consider additional safety measures such as blind spot detection systems and driver monitoring systems, which can further reduce the risk of incidents involving vulnerable road users.

How can Fleetclear help you comply with Phase 2?

At Fleetclear, we have a comprehensive range of products designed to help HGV operators meet the Phase 2 DVS requirements and beyond. Our camera monitoring systems provide high-quality, real-time views of the areas around your vehicle that are critical for DVS compliance. Our Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS) are designed to detect vulnerable road users before your vehicle moves off, giving drivers an additional layer of warning. Our blind spot detection and AI-powered safety solutions go beyond the minimum requirements to provide even greater protection for vulnerable road users. Our team can assess your fleet, advise on the most appropriate solutions for your vehicles, and manage the installation process to ensure minimal disruption to your operations. If you’d like to discuss Phase 2 DVS compliance for your fleet, please get in touch with our team at sales@fleetclear.com or call us on 01386 630 155.