Transport for London (TfL) has strengthened its Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in a move to improve road safety in the capital.
From 28 October 2024, HGVs over 12 tonnes must meet a minimum three-star DVS rating or be fitted with an updated Progressive Safe System (PSS) to operate in Greater London.
Operators who fail to comply face penalties of up to £550.
The DVS measures how much HGV drivers can see directly through their cab windows, with the aim of protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The system has already shown promising results, with a 62 per cent reduction in the number of vulnerable road users killed by HGVs in 2023 compared to the 2017-19 baseline.
Despite this improvement, TfL data shows that HGV-related accidents still caused six deaths and 32 serious injuries in 2023, highlighting the need for stronger safety measures.
Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: "London's world-leading Direct Vision Standard is helping to significantly improve lorry safety in the capital and is already saving the lives of vulnerable road users."
The strengthened requirements are part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network.
The PSS has been specifically designed to address common causes of fatal collisions between HGVs and people walking or cycling, particularly in situations where vision is a crucial factor.
London's innovative approach to HGV safety is having wider influence, with the European Union now incorporating direct vision into its safety standards.
The European Commission estimates that this, along with other safety measures, could save approximately 25,000 lives by 2038.
The enhanced DVS requirements target scenarios where accidents commonly occur, such as when vehicles move off from a stationary position or make left turns, making London's roads safer for all users.
Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Strategy, said: "Since we introduced London's pioneering Direct Vision Standard, we have seen a significant reduction in fatal collisions where vision is a factor in the capital.
“However, there is much more we need to do, to achieve our goal of eradicating deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network.
“It's vital that all vehicles using London's roads have safety at the forefront of their design and we're excited that from today HGVs operating in the capital will become even safer.
“We'd also like to thank the freight industry for their work helping to ensure that vehicles fit the new safety requirements."