Making London's lorries safer

1 January 0001

London's Mayor has adopted Vision Zero for road danger in London with the aim of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041. In 2019, he launched the world leading Direct Vision Standard (DVS) to improve HGV safety and make London’s streets safer. It became enforceable in March 2021. DVS tackles road danger at its source by minimising HGV blind spots which contribute to many tragic deaths and life-changing injuries.

Fatal collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users where vision was a contributory factor have halved since 2018, down from 12 to six. But we must not be complacent. In order to reach the Mayor’s Vision Zero target, we need to go further.

Under the scheme, operators of HGVs must have a permit for any vehicles entering and operating in Greater London. A permit will automatically be granted upon application if the vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating. Where vehicles do not meet the minimum standard, operators need to make them safer by fitting a ‘Safe System’. This is a series of vehicle safety measures which are designed to reduce the risks that HGVs present to vulnerable road users. 

Now the mayor is proposing to create a Progressive Safe System (PSS), which will build on the requirements of the 2019 Safe System, and ensure that operators in London are using the latest safety technology and equipment. To find out more or have your say click here.