DVS TFL, short for Direct Vision Standard and Transport for London, is a scheme implemented by Transport for London to improve road safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists The scheme aims to reduce the number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles by increasing the driver’s direct vision from the cab of the vehicle.
The DVS TFL scheme requires all heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to obtain a safety permit in order to drive in Greater London This permit is based on a star rating system, with zero stars indicating poor direct vision and five stars indicating excellent direct vision Vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirements for a one-star rating will be required to install additional safety equipment such as cameras and sensors to improve visibility around the vehicle.
The DVS TFL scheme was introduced in response to the high number of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles in London, particularly those involving vulnerable road users According to Transport for London, between 2015 and 2017, heavy goods vehicles were involved in 63% of cyclist fatalities and 25% of pedestrian fatalities in London By improving the direct vision of drivers, the DVS TFL scheme aims to reduce the number of accidents and ultimately save lives.
In order to obtain a DVS TFL safety permit, heavy goods vehicle operators must first assess the direct vision of their vehicles using the official star rating system This assessment can be done online through the TfL website, where operators can input the vehicle’s make, model, and year of manufacture to receive a star rating Vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirements for a one-star rating may be required to make modifications to improve visibility.
Once the vehicle has been assessed and any necessary modifications have been made, operators can apply for a safety permit through the TfL website dvs tfl. The application process requires operators to provide details about the vehicle, including its make, model, registration number, and star rating Operators must also pay a fee for each permit application, with prices varying depending on the size and type of vehicle.
After submitting the application, TfL will review the information provided and issue a safety permit if the vehicle meets the minimum requirements for a one-star rating Permits are valid for up to five years and must be renewed periodically to ensure that vehicles continue to meet the safety standards set by the DVS TFL scheme.
In addition to obtaining a safety permit, heavy goods vehicle operators are also required to display a unique permit sticker on their vehicle to indicate that they have met the requirements of the DVS TFL scheme These stickers must be visible from the outside of the vehicle and include information such as the vehicle’s registration number and star rating.
Failure to comply with the DVS TFL scheme can result in fines and penalties for operators, including penalties of up to £550 for driving in London without a safety permit TfL also has the authority to issue fines to operators who do not display their permit sticker properly or who drive vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirements for a one-star rating.
Overall, the DVS TFL scheme is an important step towards improving road safety for vulnerable road users in London By increasing the direct vision of drivers and reducing blind spots around heavy goods vehicles, the scheme aims to reduce the number of accidents and ultimately save lives Operators of heavy goods vehicles in London must ensure that their vehicles meet the requirements of the DVS TFL scheme in order to operate legally and safely on the city’s roads.