Lack of clarity over London’s updated DVS remains cause for concern

Planned changes to London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) were in the spotlight for a mid-morning panel discussion featuring speakers from FM Conway, O’Donovan Waste Disposal, Logistics UK and XPO Logistics.

Due to come into force from October 2024 onwards, the DVS Progressive Safe Scheme (PSS) means more cameras will have to be fitted to trucks rated at below three stars to remove remaining blind spots.

Sensors will have to be capable of distinguishing between street furniture and parked vehicles on the one hand, and vulnerable road users on the other.

Trucks will also need to be equipped with technology that will alert a driver who is about to move off that a pedestrian is walking in front of the vehicle.

Logistics UK and the RHA have criticised the initiative because it may mean safety packages operators spent money on in all good faith will have to be replaced.

Nor has TfL released technical specifications for the sensors and cameras needed, pointed out Logistics UK head of cities and infrastructure, Jonathan Walker. “Fortunately, as a consequence of pressure from the RHA and Logistics UK, TfL will have to provide a market readiness report to the London councils, which will assess the ability of the industry to deliver the technology needed before the decision is made to go ahead with PSS,” he said.

This could result in an extended grace period before a package likely to cost at least £5,500 per truck is implemented.