Big Changes Coming to London’s Direct Vision Standard in 2024

London’s Transport for London (TFL) is gearing up for a major update in October 2024 as part of their Vision Zero plan. This revamp of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) will impact all vehicles over 12 T GVW operating in or around London.

Breaking Down the Changes

TFL has officially announced these updates, and here at Renault Truck Commercials, with depots covering London and the home counties, we’ve got the lowdown to help fleet managers and operators get ahead of the game.

Understanding DVS

The Direct Vision Standard, introduced by TFL in 2019 and enforced from 2021, aims to make London’s roads safer by requiring permits for larger vehicles to drive and operate in the enforcement zone, which covers most of Greater London. Until 27 October 2024, vehicles need at least a 1-star rating to operate in Greater London. Over 250,000 HGVs have already received their DVS permits, which focus on improving safety equipment on vehicles, with fines imposed on vehicles that don’t meet the required standards.


From 26th October 2020 a 1 Star ranking is the minimum ranking for your HGV to operate within London, and a 5 star Ranking being considered Excellent.


This requirement will rise in 2024 to a minimum of a 3 rate ranking.

Changes for 2024

In 2024, DVS is being upgraded, which means changes are coming that may affect your vehicle. Until 27 October 2024, vehicles need at least a 1-star rating to operate in Greater London. But starting from 28 October 2024, all vehicles over 12 tonnes will need a minimum 3-star rating. The goal is to raise safety standards and cut down accidents involving larger vehicles.

Checking Your Truck’s Rating

First, you’ll need your vehicle’s star rating to check whether you need to install any extra safety equipment. You can also get your vehicle’s ‘out-of-factory’ star rating using the chassis number from the manufacturer, your local Renault Truck Commercials dealer will be on hand to assist and help you get ready for DVS. You can also check your vehicle’s registration number on the TFL website to find its star rating.

Important Notes:

Additional safety equipment doesn’t count in the star rating.

Permits are given per vehicle, not per fleet.

Striving for a Three-Star Rating in DVS 2024

If your vehicle’s rating is zero, one, or two stars, you’ll need to add a ‘Progressive Safety System’ (PSS) for operating in London, or face a fine. PPS includes assistive technologies that improve road safety, and it’s down to the operator to ensure that their equipment for indirect vision, including blind spot and moving off information systems, is fully operational.

Striving for the Three-Star Rating in DVS 2024

PPS comes into force on 28 October 2024, and any vehicles rated under 3 stars will need to be upgraded ready to meet the new requirements.

PPS Key Components:

  • Front Blind Spot: A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) alerts drivers to front blind spots.
  • Nearside Blind Spots: Incorporating a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) with active alerts.
  • Nearside Blind Spot #2: Employing a nearside Camera Monitoring System or specific mirrors to eliminate any remaining nearside blind spots.
  • Audible Alerts: Warning systems for cyclists and pedestrians during left turns.
  • Side Under-Run Protection: Fitted on both sides, compliant with UN Reg 73.
  • External Blind Spot Warning Stickers.

Important: PSS systems only pass if no street furniture is detected during testing.

Getting Your DVS Permit

Once you’ve installed the PSS kit, you can get your DVS Permit online through TFL’s platform, and your vehicle will be good to go for the next ten years.

Penalties for Not Following the Rules

Don’t comply with DVS in Greater London? Brace yourself for a £550-per-day fine, which may drop to £275 if paid within two weeks. Expect fines to go up in 2024 as safety standards tighten.

At Renault Truck Commercials, we’re all about road safety. We’ve got different PSS Kits to meet and beat DVS requirements.

Select the right PPS for your business

Choose from three levels of PSS kits, designed to meet your fleet’s specific needs, affordably.

Don’t wait until the last minute to ensure compliance with the new Direct Vision Standards.

Contact your local Renault Truck Commercials dealer today to schedule installation or learn more about our PSS kits. Let’s keep your fleet safe and your operations running smoothly.

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