DVS: A world-leading standard

DVS Overview

DVS is a regional rating system established by Transport for London (TfL) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Launched in October 2019, it aims to enhance road safety by addressing the challenges posed by limited visibility. The DVS will be implemented on March 1, 2021, with a revision scheduled for October 28, 2024.

The 2024 implementation of DVS is expected to provide valuable insights for global policymakers in managing heavy lorries and reducing traffic accidents related to visibility issues. It will also contribute positively to the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

This article is a popular science reading on DVS. For more detailed information, please visit the official Transport for London website.

1. What is DVS？

A world-leading standard

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was developed by TfL in consultation with an expert panel of researchers, academics, freight industry representatives, major European HGV manufacturers, and regulators.

DVS is designed to objectively measure a driver’s direct field of view through the cab windows of a HGV and assess the associated risk to vulnerable road users(VRUs) nearby, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles are rated on a scale from zero (poor) to five stars (good). This star rating is fixed and reflects the vehicle's design risk level to VRUs.

Figure 1: DVS star rating range diagram

DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme require all lorries with a gross weight of over 12 tons to obtain a permit to enter or operate in the Greater London area. HGV operators must apply for a permit for their vehicles, and if a vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating, a permit will be issued. Conversely, if the vehicle does not meet the minimum rating, operators must enhance the vehicle's safety through the installation of safety system improvements. Driving an HGV in Greater London without a valid permit may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £550.

2. Background of DVS

Blind spots

Traffic accidents involving heavy lorry are primarily attributed to the limited visibility experienced by drivers. Due to inherent design flaws in HGVs, numerous blind spots often obstruct the driver’s line of sight, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Figure 2: The blind spot of an HGV with the cabin on the right

Fatalities

According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a total of 4,764 people lost their lives in large lorry crashes in 2022. Of these fatalities, 17% were lorry occupants, 66% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Alarmingly, the number of fatalities in large lorry crashes in 2022 was 51% higher than in 2009, which marked the lowest number of fatalities recorded since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. Furthermore, the number of lorry occupants killed was 83% higher than in 2009.

Figure 3: Deaths in crashes involving large lorries, 1975-2022

Image source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Vision Zero for London

The Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy outlines an ambitious goal: to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041.

3. The Positive Role of DVS

DVS is a pioneering initiative, setting a precedent not only in the UK but also across the EU. TfL’s collaboration with vehicle manufacturers has influenced the European Union to incorporate direct vision into its safety regulations. Under EU Regulation 2019/2144, which came into effect in 2022, all 27 member states are mandated to consider direct vision from HGV cab windows as a critical measure for reducing fatalities. The European Commission estimates that this regulation, along with other safety initiatives, could save approximately 25,000 lives by 2038.

DVS employs a systematic approach aimed at minimizing risks for all road users by tackling sources of road hazards. It seeks to mitigate the dangers associated with motor vehicle use in densely populated urban areas while prioritizing the most hazardous types of vehicles. Additionally, addressing blind spots has been identified as a crucial factor in decreasing the number of fatal collisions involving HGVs and VRUs.

4. DVS 2024

On March 21, 2019, the Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) of the London Council approved the HGV Safety Licence Conditions. These conditions apply to all HGV Safety Licences granted under the London HGV Safety Licence Scheme (the "Scheme"), as established by the Greater London (Restricted Goods Vehicles) Traffic Order 1985 (the "Traffic Order," as amended).

Under the Scheme approved in 2019, the minimum DVS star rating for vehicles subject to the Scheme will automatically increase from one star to three stars, effective October 28, 2024. All vehicles rated zero stars, one star, or two stars operating in London will be required to be equipped with a Progressive Safety System (PSS).

The PSS sets out 7 key requirements, including Camera Monitoring System (CMS), Blind Spot Information System (BSIS), and Moving Off Information System (MOIS). Investing in this safety equipment will help ensure compliance with various vehicle safety standards.

This article does not delve into the specific requirements of the PSS. For more details, please refer to our latest article on the PSS:

PSS - Progressive Safe System

5. About Ultravision

Shenzhen Ultravision Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading technology company with over 16 years of research and development experience in the field of road safety enhancement. The company is dedicated to utilizing artificial intelligence and video telematics technology to achieve Vision Zero, a goal aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries in road traffic.

Ultravision focuses on improving commercial vehicle road safety and optimizing fleet management processes through its innovative products and industry solutions. Its Mobile Digital Video Recorders (MDVR) and dash cams are equipped with advanced AI active safety algorithms, including Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS), Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Automatic Passenger Counting (APC), and Face Recognition (FR).

By harnessing the power of AI, these safety devices significantly reduce accident rates and enhance the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

6. DVS Achievements

New data shows vital improvements in lorry safety in London. According to the latest figures released by TfL, the total number of serious injuries involving HGVs has decreased from 48 in 2017 to just 17 in 2021. Additionally, in the first year following the implementation of DVS and HGV Safety Permit Scheme, there was a reduction in the number of fatal collisions where vision was identified as a contributing factor.

Figure 4: DVS permits issued by star rating

Image source: DVS one year on report

Between 2019 and 2021, fatal collisions involving HGVs and associated vision issues fell from 9 to 6. This trend of decreasing fatalities has continued since the DVS was introduced. As of February 28, 2022, a total of 191,769 safety permits have been issued for HGVs operating in Greater London, with 91% of these permits granted to vehicles rated at 0-2 stars. This distribution reflects the current composition of many operator fleets.

Looking ahead, the implementation of the DVS in 2024 is expected to further increase the issuance of permits, paving the way for the realization of Vision Zero by 2041.

7. Vision Zero Worldwide

According to Figure 4 data, 91% of vehicles are rated as 0-2 star vehicles, indicating a significant prevalence of HGVs with inadequate direct vision in operation worldwide. Many operators consider factors such as the service life and replacement costs of HGVs, which can delay the installation of necessary safety systems or the acquisition of vehicles with improved visibility.

In some developing countries and regions, both corporate and private vehicle owners often exhibit low safety awareness. Drivers frequently rely on personal experience rather than utilizing advanced safety systems, resulting in high rates of traffic accidents and associated economic losses. As road safety issues gain increasing attention globally, many nations have begun to implement and update road safety regulations.

The author strongly believes that as public awareness of road safety continues to improve, the incidence and mortality rates associated with HGV-related accidents will decline. Additionally, advancements in technology and product upgrades from road safety solution companies worldwide—particularly the integration of artificial intelligence in road safety systems—will significantly advance the global pursuit of Vision Zero. One day, Vision Zero will transition from an idealistic goal into a tangible reality. Let us unite to expedite the arrival of that day!

Written by Henry Chia on October 22, 2024