The government is examining how it could change the law to require HGVs across the UK to be fitted with safety equipment similar to that mandated under London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS).

Transport minister Simon Lightwood said the Department for Transport was “exploring options” that would give it the authority to make operators install sensors, devices and warning systems designed to protect vulnerable road users.

He said: “Vehicle construction regulations are generally set at an international level in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the UK played an active role in the development of regulation 167 on direct vision. This regulation is included in the European Union’s general safety regulation. Following external analysis of the specific benefits and costs of these measures, the government is exploring options for updates to our national type approval legislation to mandate fitment of these safety technologies and vehicle design features in Great Britain.”

Logistics UK said the government had not yet confirmed any extension of the DVS requirements, but stressed that any new legislation would need to be applied consistently across the country.

Further information:                                                                                                                                             Government considers national rollout of HGV safety technology similar to London’s DVS - News - Commercial Motor