It will be mandatory to carry an HGV safety permit while driving in 2020

Sadiq Khan, who has served as the mayor of London beginning with 2016, has taken many measures to ensure the safety of Londoners. One of the mayor’s top priorities is eliminating dangerous Heavy Goods Vehicles. This will be realised by adopting a road traffic safety project that aims to achieve that no serious injuries or fatalities occur. The safety scheme is the first of its kind and its meant to minimise the impact of blind spots.

TfL, together with the Direct Vision Standard, are to release permits that will enable HGVs to enter the city of London. TfL is already working alongside the UK Government, European Commission, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe so as to develop worldwide regulations on vehicle design standards for pedestrian and cyclist safety.

HGV Safety Permit – Created to Enhance the Safety of Vulnerable Road Users

Heavy Good Vehicles are required to share the road with pedestrians, pedal cyclists, as well as motorcyclists. In spite of the fact that there aren’t numerous road collisions, when they do take place, the result is serious or fatal injury. Needless to say, accidents occur in urban areas. From the aforementioned category, pedestrians are the most vulnerable. Pedestrians can be anyone, including the HGV driver who stepped out of the vehicle for a moment.

Blind spots are an important factor in collisions involving HGVs. More often than not, they don’t have instruments that ensure a clear visual path. Since blind spots are caused by the nature of the vehicle, it’s only normal that HGVs will have to have "direct vision" glass panels installed in the passenger doors, in addition to larger windscreens and a lower seating position. What happens is that trucks with a gross combination of mass of over 3,500 kilograms will be rated from zero to highest. All HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes entering or operating in the London area have to hold a safety permit.

How To Make A HGV Compliant

So, the mayor of London launched the Direct Vision Standard in 2016 with the aim of improving the safety of Londoners. Beginning with the 26th October 2020, it will be mandatory to have an HGV safety permit that attests the direct field of view is improved. Forward-looking businesses have a responsibility to make the streets safer for pedestrians. Interested HGV operators can already start applying for permits, which are valid for individual vehicles. It’s recommended to do this some time in advance.

Some haulers may deal with challenges in meeting minimum safety standards. It will be necessary to take into account the possibility of incorporating additional technology or safety equipment. To obtain an HGV safety permit, it is required to do the following:

1. Make sure the vehicle meets the minimum DVS star rating. The star rating can be retrieved from the vehicle manufacturer. If the items of your fleet are rated with 1 star or above, it is possible to apply for free permits. Beginning with 2024, the minimum star rating will be 3 stars and above.

2. Purchase safe system equipment. There are many systems designed to reduce the risk of collision present to people walking or cycling. Examples of HGV safety technology include but aren’t limited to camera and sensor systems. They detect people and alert the driver visually or audibly. They enable a continuous view of the blind spot and can be combined with reporting systems.

There is no specific brand or make of equipment that will be mandated as part of the safe system. Equipment can be purchased through many organisations. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that HGV operators that enter the capital of the UK without a permit will be penalised. The penalty charge notice can add up to £550.

Overview of Safe Systems for HGVs

Companies have focused on the design of safe technological solutions so as to eliminate the element of human error. Let us get a little bit into detail.

Camera Monitoring Systems

It is made up of a camera, an image processing pipeline, and a monitor for viewing the camera image. The camera monitoring systems is meant to eliminate the blind spot. The driver has a normal view, so they know what is happening. It is just one of the countless features that contribute to the overall safety and security of the vehicle.

Audible Vehicle Manoeuvring

The audible vehicle manoeuvring system alerts the vulnerable road user from the distance, therefore preventing accidents between HGVs and pedestrians. The singular system has the ability to discriminate between people and objects. If the vehicle is turning left or right, the pedestrian will know.

Sensor Systems

The sensor is capable of responding to input from the physical environment. The HGV driver has a clear idea of what is behind them, so it is easier for them to back into a parking spot. Proximity sensors should be fitted to the vehicle to meet Direct Vision Standard compliance. There will be no damage to the HGV through safer manoeuvring.

Apps Will Allow to See If HGVs Have A Valid Permit

Dublin City Council will use applications to determine if the Heavy Goods Vehicles entering the city centre have a permit or not. The HGV Permit Checker, as it’s called, will file a report on trucks that aren’t supposed to be in Dublin, providing authorities the information they need. The public too can help the authorities monitoring the vehicles by downloading the app.

What happens is that smartphone users introduce the registration number into the application and specify its location. Owing to the fact that the system is map-based, it is possible to alert specific enforcement authorities. The most important thing is that the application doesn’t require users to register by email.

To conclude, new changes are being incorporated in London as HGVs without safety measures are still present on the roads. Based on the technology available for the time being, it is possible to meet the safe system requirements. The first review of the proposal is set for 2024, so it isn’t necessary to act fast.

Cynthia Madison is a young blogger and economics and marketing graduate. She writes about home, lifestyle and family topics and is a senior contributor to popular niche publications.