Direct vision
Standard practice for London Truck operators whose vehicles ply London’s trafficclogged streets have been busy getting to grips with the Direct Vision Standard. By Steve Banner
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et up by Transport for London TfL , the Direct ision tandard D finally came into force on 1 M arch 20 21. The standard means that every 12-tonne-plus truck entering or operating within reater London – unless qualifying for an exemption – must be covered by a free TfL safety permit. ver 90 ,0 0 0 have been issued to date. In force around-the-clock every day of the year, the scheme adopts a star system to grade vehicles depending on how easy it is for their drivers to spot vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians from behind the wheel. The grading
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runs from zero to five stars, ith over , safety permits now issued for 5-star trucks, which offer the highest level of direct vision. M ore than 60 ,0 0 0 truc s rated from one to five stars have been granted safety permits automatically. f a vehicle is zero rated, a category that TfL says encompasses around half the trucks operating in London, all is not lost. truc can comply ith TfL s requirements if it is fitted ith a pac age of approved safety devices referred to – logically enough – as a Safe System. This system includes a Class V mirror mounted
