London’s 2024 upgrade to its truck safety rules isn’t just a local compliance headache, it’s a preview of where urban freight safety is heading across the UK and Europe.
Direct Vision Standard explained in 60 seconds
The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is Transport for London’s framework to reduce collisions between heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vulnerable road users, by improving what drivers can see directly through their cab windows. It applies 24/7 to HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight entering Greater London. Vehicles need an HGV Safety Permit. The star rating issued by the vehicle manufacturer based on cab design, reflects the driver’s direct vision of the road close to the vehicle.
From late 2024, vehicles must now be rated three stars or fit a set of additional safety measures called the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to obtain or keep a permit.
What was new in 2024: The Progressive Safe System!
The PSS is London’s tighter upgrade to the earlier “Safe System.” It focuses on eliminating the nearside blind spot and preventing low-speed start-off and turning collisions.
For sub three star vehicles, expect the following core elements, always check the latest TfL specifications.
- Nearside camera monitoring system (CMS) that effectively removes the nearside blind spot and presents a clear image to the driver during relevant manoeuvres (e.g., indicating left, low-speed turns). A mirror alone is not enough to meet the intent.
- Nearside detection sensors tuned for pedestrians/cyclists that alert only when a collision is likely, minimising nuisance alerts from kerbs or static street furniture.
- Front “moving-off” information system (MOIS) to detect vulnerable road users in front of the cab during start-off.
- Side under-run protection, external pictorial warnings and audible left-turn alerts to signal intent to people outside the vehicle.
- In-cab alerts that are clear without overwhelming the driver, with screens and warnings positioned to avoid distraction.
The PSS aligns closely with international technical benchmarks, including UNECE R151 (blind-spot information for cyclists) and R159 (moving-off information), helping standardisation across borders.
Why this matters beyond London
Market pull: Large contractors and local authorities already bake DVS-style safety into tender requirements. Even if you never enter London, you may face PSS-equivalent asks in contracts, especially in construction logistics, waste and utilities.
Insurance and risk: Underwriters increasingly look for camera evidence, calibrated detection tech and documented driver training. PSS-grade kits can reduce claims frequency and severity.
Design cascade: OEMs are accelerating low-entry, urban-optimised cabs and factory-fit camera systems. Today’s retrofit becomes tomorrow’s standard spec.
Regulatory convergence: The EU General Safety Regulation phases in features like MOIS and cyclist blind-spot detection on new vehicle types, with broader fitment following. Even outside the EU, UNECE regulations and customer demand drive similar expectations.
The PSS tech stack: What “good” looks like (and what to avoid)
Do this:
- Use a nearside CMS with sufficient resolution, low-light performance and weather protection. Ensure automatic triggering when indicating left or below a set speed.
- Choose detection systems validated against UNECE R151/R159 performance. Calibrate to cut false alerts at kerbsides while maintaining reliable alerts for moving cyclists and pedestrians.
- Position monitors within the driver’s natural scan path, without obscuring the windscreen. Keep the user interface consistent across the fleet to reduce cognitive load.
- Protect vulnerable wiring and sensors from damage during tipper, mixer or skip operations. Specify IP-rated connectors and proper mounting.
- Document installation, calibration and driver familiarisation. Keep sign-off sheets for audits and incident defence.
Avoid this:
- Overloading drivers with multiple, conflicting screens and beepers from different vendors. Integrate where possible.
- Relying on mirrors alone to claim blind-spot elimination. PSS expects more robust coverage.
- “Always-on” noisy systems that drivers disable. The goal is meaningful, situational alerts.
- One-size-fits-all placements. Body types vary—validate coverage on the actual vehicle configuration.
Implementation of playbook: A simple 30/60/90-day approach
Days 0–30: Baseline and plan
- Obtain current DVS star ratings from OEMs by VIN. Identify sub–three-star vehicles entering or transiting Greater London.
- Map routes, depots and jobs affected. Engage customers with London sites about their expectations (many require DVS-level kit even outside Greater London).
- Select a PSS-compliant solution set (CMS, nearside detection, MOIS, warnings, under-run). Align with body types and power availability.
Days 31–60: Install and train
- Batch retrofit with a proven installer. Standardise hardware and UI across the fleet.
- Calibrate and validate coverage on real routes. Record test results and keep certificates.
- Deliver toolbox talks and short driver modules on interpreting alerts and scanning routines.
Days 61–90: Assure and optimise
- Apply or update HGV Safety Permits and keep copies in vehicle files.
- Audit false-alert rates and driver feedback; fine-tune sensitivity where allowed.
- Engage insurers with your upgraded risk profile and training records.
Looking ahead from 2026 to 2030
Cab architecture: More low-entry cabs and reshaped front ends to improve near field visibility, enabled by updated dimension rules. This reduces reliance on add-ons over the vehicle life.
Digital mirrors and integration: Camera monitor systems replacing or augmenting mirrors will become commonplace, consolidating alerts and improving aerodynamics and visibility.
Data and privacy by design: Event recording and AI-assisted alerts will grow. Build GDPR-compliant policies now!
Policy ratcheting: “Progressive” implies periodic tightening. Future cycles will draw on collision data and tech maturity. Buying with headroom now avoids stranded assets later.
Quick checklist
Do you know the DVS star rating for each vehicle that could enter Greater London?
For sub–three-star vehicles, have you fitted a PSS-grade nearside CMS, nearside detection, MOIS, under-run protection, and external warnings?
Are driver alerts clear, consistent and not excessive? Have drivers been trained?
Are permits current and stored for audits? Do you have installation and calibration records?
Are you engaging OEMs now for the next procurement cycle to prioritise higher direct vision cabs?
Have you aligned with customer standards like CLOCS and FORS where relevant?
Resources (where to start)
- TfL HGV Safety Permit guidance and DVS/PSS specifications on the Transport for London website.
- Vehicle manufacturers’ DVS star rating letters and VIN-based lookups.
- UNECE regulations R151 (Blind Spot Information) and R159 (Moving Off Information) for technical performance baselines.
- Industry schemes such as CLOCS and FORS for complementary site and fleet safety practices.
Conclusion
London’s Progressive Safe System is more than a local rule, it is a signal that urban truck safety is moving from optional extras to standard practice. Fleets that get ahead now will find compliance simpler, insurance friendlier and tenders easier to win, while preparing for a future where safer cab designs and integrated sensing are the norm. Start with your star ratings, settle on a coherent PSS kit, train your drivers, and bake these requirements into your next round of vehicle purchases.
Compliance shouldn’t slow your business down. At Fleet Protector, we pair the personal touch of a family business with the know‑how that comes from 35+ years in the electrical industry. From PSS-ready camera and alert systems to GPS tracking and support, we’ve got your fleet covered across the UK. Get in touch at – https://www.fleetprotector.co.uk/contact-us/ to discuss your vehicles, lock in install dates, and stay ahead of enforcement.
You may also be interested in checking out our special time limited offer on our fully DVS compliant FP RADAR 180 DEGREE KIT, which can save you up to £200! Visit https://www.fleetprotector.co.uk/special-offers-and-discounts/ for further details. This exclusive package is engineered to meet and exceed the latest DVS requirements, delivering assurance to operators, fleet managers, and business owners.
We hope that you have found this “Progressive Safe System” blog post helpful. Please fell free to share this information with your colleagues.
