LGV operators must embrace new vehicle safety standard, or risk £550 fine

With effect from 28 October 2024, minimum safety standards for a number of larger vehicles entering London increased.

The changes are applicable to large goods vehicles (LGVs) of 12 tonnes and above, and where these updated standards are not met, the operator may be subject to a hefty penalty charge of up to £550 per day if they don’t hold a valid safety permit for the vehicle.

What’s changed?

Transport for London (TfL) has added further regulations in relation to how much LGV drivers can see through cab windows – either visually or through technology.

Introduced in 2011, Direct Vision Standards (DVS) provided a safety rating system for vehicles, which under the tighter, enhanced rules now requires vehicles to meet a minimum three-star DVS rating. If not, they need to fit an updated system of enhanced safety features – the Progressive Safety System (PSS) – which utilises new technology to make roads safer.

What is the PSS?

The Progressive Safety System (PSS) is an advanced safety standard designed to complement the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

PSS is designed to specifically eliminate common causes of fatal collisions – particularly involving pedestrians and cyclists, and generally where vehicles are moving off from a stationary position or turning left.

The DVS and LGV safety permit forms part of the Mayor for London’s ‘Vision Zero’ which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries across the London transport network.

Since the introduction of DVS, TfL data has shown a reduction in fatal collisions involving LGVs. However, despite this, sadly six people were still killed and 32 seriously injured in 2023 (TfL stats).

What does Howden’s fleet expert think?

Peter Milchard, Head of Motor Risk at Howden, commented: “Any initiative to prevent and reduce severity of injury through collisions cannot be underestimated.

“LGV drivers operate within a highly regulated industry sector, and despite this, driving standards are often criticised. This is against a backdrop of challenging driving environments and visibility of all road users.

“Through the use of technology, visibility and awareness of other road users can be improved but we must always be aware that education and understanding of all road users is crucial for ‘zero harm’ strategies to be truly delivered.”

Pete continues, “TfL’s own statistics highlight that not all serious collisions involve vehicles travelling at speed, and therefore we need to focus on initiatives to reduce slow speed manoeuvring incidents amongst our clients’ fleets.

“At Howden, we offer all levels of assistance, although many clients benefit from one of our risk management support packages. This includes ‘Minimise’, which encompasses a slow speed manoeuvring workshop to identify and implement strategies for businesses to reduce incident frequency and the resultant costs.

“We can also assist our clients with developments in vehicle technology, plus offer guidance on Progressive Safety Systems as just one of many aspects of motor risk management.”

What next for LGV safety?

Slow speed manoeuvring features heavily in collisions, and this demonstrates that without preventive strategies and actions there are vulnerabilities for safety, financial stability, as well as brand reputation.

For full and further information on this topic or for answers to any other fleet-related questions, contact Peter at [email protected]