Changes you need to be aware of…
On the 28th October 2024 any HGV with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12 tonnes or more must comply with new Transport for London (TfL) regulations if it operates within Greater London. These new regulations are called Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Phase 2.
Why are the regulations changing?
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, via his Vision Zero strategy, is committed to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041. Part of the strategy covers the risks posed by HGVs to vulnerable road users (VRU) such as pedestrians and cyclists. Phase 1 of DVS was launched in October 2019 to improve HGV driver visibility of VRUs. HGVs must be fitted with cameras, sensors, mirrors, audible warnings and signage. Following the introduction of DVS Phase 1 fatal collisions where poor vision was a contributing factor fell by 75% but between March 2021 and March 2022 46 VRUs were involved in non-fatal collisions with HGVs. More needs to be done…
What is DVS Phase 2?
Whilst the sensors and cameras required by DVS Phase 1 helped prevent many incidents which could have harmed VRUs, such as turning left in front of cyclists, there were issues. For example, roadside vegetation and street furniture triggered false alarms which distracted drivers leading some unscrupulous operators to disconnect sensors. DVS Phase 2 addresses these issues.
Horizone, in partnership with Fonix, can install DVS Phase 2 upgrade kits which incorporates the Phase 1 equipment already fitted to a vehicle. The upgrade kit comprises of a nearside radar sensor and front mounted moving off radar sensor. A HD dash mounted display shows the presence of road users in front of and alongside the vehicle. Crucially the driver will only receive an audible alarm if the vehicle moves into the path of a VRU and a collision is immanent; roadside vegetation and street furniture will not trigger audible alerts. Therefore the Horizone/Fonix DVS Phase 2 upgrade kit offers enhanced protection for VRUs and significantly reduces driver distraction. You can read the full TfL DVS criteria HERE.
Make sure you are DVS compliant
For equipment to be compliant with DVS it must be robustly installed by a supplier accredited to the Association of Vehicle Installers, with no exposed wiring, not require onerous aftercare or invalidate the vehicle’s warranty. Our equipment is designed for the harsh HGV environment, radar sensors still work if they are dirty and all our equipment is low profile so less likely to be hit by trees and truck washes.
What next?
View the Fonix DVS Phase 2 digital brochure HERE. Get your fleet compliant now as installers and upgrade equipment could be in short supply the closer we get to 28th October, don’t get caught out. Contact us straightaway to discuss your options and next steps.
