DVS Changes For 2024: A Quick Guide

TfL has now released the official changes that the DVS will undergo for 2024. There has been some initial guidance released prior to this confirmation but this is now the final changes to the standard for 2024. 

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Until 27 October 2024, the minimum DVS rating to operate in London is one star; this will increase to three stars from 28 October 2024. This is the date that fleets operating in London need to now have highlighted in their calendar so that they can be ready.

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If your vehicle meets the relevant minimum DVS star rating, you will be able to apply for a permit without taking further action to fit additional safety measures. 

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If your vehicle does not meet the relevant minimum DVS star rating or is not rated, you will need to make your vehicle safer by fitting the PSS by 28 October 2024 before receiving a permit. 

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We’re thankful that TfL is giving the industry enough time to obtain, fit, and validate new equipment, in the form of a limited grace period for vehicles that have registered with them by 28 October 2024 and can demonstrate they have taken steps to arrange for the fitting of a PSS.  

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It’s worth noting though that this will be available by exception only and operators should contact TfL’s operations team using the DVS contact details on their website if they wish to take up this option.

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The following information is taken directly from TfL and forms the summarised technical requirements of the changes to DVS in 2024.

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What Are The Requirements Of A Progressive Safe System?

1. A fully operational camera monitoring system must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle, to completely eliminate the remaining blind spot at the nearside

2. Class V and VI mirrors, or a camera monitoring system that replaces the mirrors, or a combination of both, must be fitted to the front and nearside of the vehicle. These should be fitted in compliance with UNECE Regulation 46

3. A blind spot information system, with active sensors that gives adequate warning to the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user, must be fitted to the nearside of the vehicle in accordance with the technical specifications for the PSS. A vehicle that demonstrably complies with UNECE Regulation 151 will meet this requirement

4. A moving off information system must be fitted to the front of the vehicle to warn the driver of the presence of a vulnerable road user, in accordance with the technical specifications for the PSS. A vehicle that demonstrably complies with UNECE Regulation 159 will meet this requirement

5. Side under-run protection must be fitted to both sides of the vehicle, except where this is demonstrably impractical. This equipment must be fitted in compliance with UNECE Regulation 73 on lateral protection devices
   
   
6. An audible vehicle manoeuvring warning must be fitted to provide an adequate audible warning to vulnerable road users when a vehicle is turning left

7. External pictorial stickers and markings must be displayed on vehicles to provide adequate visual warning to vulnerable road users of the hazards present around the vehicle

What Are The Information Requirements Of DVS?

Evidence needed to demonstrate compliance with the PSS We do not require operators to provide third-party certification for their equipment installed for the purposes of fitting the PSS.

For applications regarding vehicles rated zero, one or two stars, or where your vehicle is unrated, you will need to submit the following:

• Visual evidence: two photographs to demonstrate that you have fitted the PSS to your vehicle
• Sensor functionality statement: a statement self-certifying that all sensors have been fitted in accordance with our technical specifications and are in functional working order

What Visual Evidence Is Required For DVS?

For the visual evidence, the photographs must clearly show the front and nearside of the HGV in photo one, and the rear and nearside of the vehicle in photo two. The vehicle registration plates must be clearly readable in both photos and the images must demonstrate that the PSS equipment has been fitted to the vehicle as specified in this guidance and accompanying technical specifications.

If your vehicle is a tractor unit, it is not necessary to include a photo of the trailer as well. Where a trailer is present, the rear photo must show the rear nearside of the trailer with the vehicle in situ.

Additional Sensor functionality statement

Operators are also required to provide a sensor functionality statement alongside an application for vehicles with a zero-, one- or two-star rating that demonstrates that the blind spot and moving off information systems have been fitted to comply with the standards set in our technical specifications, and are in functional working order.

This should comprise an official statement or letter from either the fitter or the original equipment manufacturer of the product being installed, to the effect that the sensors fitted to the vehicle are active and fitted in compliance with the approved technical specifications. The letter should include a statement that certifies that ‘the blind spot and moving off information systems fitted to this vehicle are fully functional, effective and installed in compliance with the PSS technical specifications’. This statement can be attached to your application along with the required visual evidence.

What Do You Need To Do Next?

Now that the changes to DVS requirements in 2024 have officially been announced, fleets everywhere need to start making sure that their vehicles are compliant. To do that they need to work with equipment providers who understand the new requirements and can supply and fit the right equipment. 

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Sentinel Systems is ready to start helping fleets get their vehicles 3-star ready in time for 28 October 2024, so contact us today.

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You can also read the full DVS Guidance For Operators document produced by TfL here and also check in with the TfL website for any further information you’re looking for.