Since the Direct Vision Standard was introduced in 2019, fatal collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users where vision was a contributory factor have halved from 12 to 6. However, as part of the Mayor of London’s goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041, TfL have now released an enhancement to the current DVS ‘Safe System’ with the introduction of the ‘Progressive Safe System’ (PSS).
When will the Progressive Safe System be enforced from?
This new PSS will come into force on October the 28th, 2024, and will apply to all vehicles that have a two-star rating or lower (around 165,000 vehicles, which is 90% of the existing fleet operating in London).
How does the Progressive Safe System differ from the current DVS Safe System?
The enhancements within the PSS involve mandating elements of the Safe System that are currently only recommendations, alongside enforcing improved detection at the front of vehicles and providing clearer performance specifications.
The new PSS (Progressive Safe System) specifications are as follows:
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To improve indirect vision, and help drivers see near the vehicle:
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Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS) guidance will be updated to allow use of both systems. This will give the driver a wider field of vision and reduce the cognitive workload.
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CMS fitted on vehicles must eliminate any remaining blind spots. This provides a visual alert of an approaching vulnerable road user and prevents collisions in the blind spot area.
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Sensors must ensure full coverage down the nearside of rigid vehicles to detect vulnerable road users. They must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. This aims to prevent left turn collisions. For articulated trailers, sensors must be fitted to the front tractor unit but are recommended for the trailer where possible.
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To warn vulnerable road users of intended manoeuvres and minimise the physical impact of hazard:
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Audio warnings must be fitted to all vehicles, including those with left-hand drive to ensure all vehicles have the ability to warn of an intended manoeuvre.
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Warning signage requirements remain unchanged.
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Sideguard requirements remain unchanged.
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For a more in-depth analysis of the 2021 DVS Safe System versus the new Progressive Safe System, then check out our latest blog post ‘3 differences between the DVS Safe System and the Progressive Safe System’.
Paul Lawrence, Managing Director at AddSecure Smart Transport UK, commented: “Enhancements to the Progressive Safe System will undoubtedly improve fleet safety, helping to protect vulnerable road users and ultimately save lives. By encouraging operators to adopt new technologies and best practices, the Direct Vision Standard is driving positive change in the transport industry and paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future.”
To find out more about the current Direct Vision Standard and the required Safety System technology for vehicles rated zero, click here for our comprehensive guide of ‘Everything you need to know about the Direct Vision Standard’.
