‘Direct vision’ ratings for HGV drivers released by TfL

New ratings categorising how much 'direct vision' heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers have from their cabs have been released by Transport for London (TfL). HGVs will get a rating between 'zero-star' (lowest) and 'five-star' (highest). Only HGVs rated 'three-star' and above, or which have comprehensive safety systems, will be allowed to operate in London from 2024. TfL has issued the interim star ratings for Euro VI Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) as part of its proposed Direct Vision Standard (DVS).

The development of the DVS forms part of the Mayor of London and TfL's Vision Zero approach to reducing road danger.

TfL said the interim star ratings for individual Euro VI HGV models would help ensure that vehicles manufactured, purchased or leased are compliant with both Ultra-Low Emission Zone requirements and the DVS. “We will continue to work with manufacturers to ensure interim star ratings for other HGV models will be released later this year,” said TfL.

TfL is also proposing an HGV safety permit scheme based on the DVS ratings. This would require all HGVs over 12 tonnes to hold a safety permit to enter or operate in the capital from 2020. Those rated 'one star' and above would automatically be granted a permit, while those rated 'zero star' (lowest) would have to include specific recognised safety systems, such as sensors, visual warnings and comprehensive driver training, before a permit is granted. 

From 2024 only those rated 'three star' and above, or which have an advanced safety system, would be allowed on London's streets.

Research by TfL shows that in 2014 and 2015 HGVs were involved in 58% of fatal collisions with cyclists and 22.5% of fatal collisions with pedestrians, even though HGVs made up just 4% of miles driven in the capital.

Alex Williams, TfL's Director of City Planning, said: “Businesses across the capital need HGVs to operate, however the number of deaths involving HGVs is unacceptable. The industry has already made significant advancements to safety and has been very keen to support to the work we are doing to go even further and develop the Direct Vision Standard. Alongside the Mayor, we are committed to ridding London's streets of dangerous vehicles and are taking a Vision Zero approach to road danger. We welcome the industry's feedback on our latest proposals for the Direct Vision Standard as we work together to improve vehicle safety.”

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's Head of Campaigns and Advocacy, said: “This is the first scheme of its type in the world which is looking to address directly the cause of many pedestrian and cyclist fatalities: poorly designed lorry cabs that restrict visibility. Cycling UK looks forward to working with TfL in our collective aim to reduce road danger, and we encourage other cities to share the Mayor's vision to make our roads safer for all users.”

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “This only highlights the scale of the issue and reaffirms what we’ve been saying for some time, that the vast proportion of existing HGV’s will not meet their currently proposed standards. It is positive that we now have an opportunity to work with TfL and the industry to find an effective solution to improve road safety in a balanced way and to have recognition that the issue is complex and will require a lot more work to ensure that the best possible road safety benefits are obtained.”

“The proposal for Direct Vision Standards may be part of the road safety mix; however it is unlikely to be the panacea to the road safety challenges faced by London. TfL have not been clear about what impact the proposal will have on road safety as the focus has been on the engineering standards and visibility from the cab in isolation from other factors.”

In response to the proposals for a permit scheme, Burnett added: “The RHA will continue to work with TfL and operators to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for safety but we need their reassurance that the cost of permits will be set to do no more than recover the cost of operating the permit scheme. Any charges over and above that will amount to a tax on operators and the people and businesses of London."