What is DVS? | TNK Engineering Ltd

Direct Vision Standard (DVS) & Progressive Safe System (PSS)

Helping HGV Operators Stay Compliant with Transport for London's Direct Vision Standard

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a safety scheme introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users (VRUs). It applies to all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) operating within Greater London.

Every qualifying HGV must hold a valid DVS Safety Permit before entering or operating in Greater London. Vehicles without a valid permit may receive substantial daily penalty charges for both the operator and driver.

Get DVS Compliant Fast

What Is the Direct Vision Standard?

The Direct Vision Standard measures how much a driver can see directly through the cab windows without relying on mirrors or camera systems.

Each vehicle is awarded a star rating from 0 to 5, based solely on its original factory design. This rating is determined before any aftermarket safety equipment is fitted, meaning cameras, sensors and mirrors do not improve the official star rating.

Vehicles that do not achieve the required minimum star rating must be fitted with approved safety technology before a permit can be issued.

Changes to DVS Regulations

The Direct Vision Standard entered its second phase in October 2024, introducing stricter safety requirements.

The previous Safe System has now been replaced by the more advanced Progressive Safe System (PSS), which introduces intelligent detection technologies designed to further reduce collisions involving vulnerable road users.

What Is a Progressive Safe System (PSS)?

The Progressive Safe System is a package of advanced vehicle safety equipment designed to improve driver awareness and reduce blind spot collisions.

Modern PSS technology uses intelligent sensors, radar and AI-assisted detection to provide accurate warnings while reducing false alarms, helping drivers make safer decisions in busy urban environments.

Progressive Safe System Requirements

A compliant Progressive Safe System includes several mandatory safety features, including:

1. Active Side Sensor System

The side detection system must be capable of:

Detecting cyclists and other vulnerable road users alongside the vehicle.
Distinguishing between moving and stationary objects.
Predicting potential collisions by analysing the movement of both the vehicle and the vulnerable road user.
Providing graduated audible and visual warnings based on the level of risk.

These intelligent systems significantly reduce unnecessary alerts while ensuring drivers receive immediate warnings when genuine hazards are detected.

2. Moving Off Information System (MOIS)

The Moving Off Information System (MOIS) is designed to protect vulnerable road users positioned directly in front of an HGV when moving away from a standstill.

A compliant MOIS must:

Detect pedestrians and cyclists within the critical blind spot in front of the vehicle.
Alert the driver when a vulnerable road user is present before the vehicle begins moving.
Provide a second warning if a collision risk is detected as the vehicle moves off.
Use at least two warning methods, including a combination of:
- Visual (optical) alerts
- Audible warnings
- Haptic (touch or vibration) feedback

The DVS enforcement zone covers all of Greater London

DVS Enforcement, Permit Duration & How to Apply

DVS Enforcement

Transport for London (TfL) actively enforces the Direct Vision Standard across Greater London using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Every HGV over 12 tonnes operating within Greater London must have a valid DVS Safety Permit, regardless of its star rating.

ANPR cameras automatically identify vehicles and cross-reference them against TfL's permit database to verify compliance.

Operators and drivers found operating without a valid permit may receive:

£550 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued to the vehicle operator (reduced if paid promptly).
£130 Penalty Charge Notice issued to the driver.

Even 3, 4 and 5-star vehicles require a valid permit before entering Greater London.

How Long Does a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Permit Last?

The length of your Direct Vision Standard (DVS) Safety Permit depends on your vehicle's star rating and when the permit was issued.

How to Apply for a DVS Safety Permit

Applying for a Direct Vision Standard Permit is straightforward.

The permit itself is free of charge, and there is no requirement to display a permit or sticker on the vehicle.

Applications are completed online through Transport for London's DVS permit portal.

Check Vehicle Star Rating & Apply Online here...

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/

Evidence Required for Progressive Safe System (PSS) Compliance

To demonstrate compliance, operators must upload clear photographic evidence showing the safety equipment fitted to the vehicle.

The required photographs are:

A front and nearside image showing the complete front of the vehicle and registration plate.
A rear and nearside image clearly showing the rear registration plate and installed safety equipment.

These images allow TfL to verify that the required components have been installed correctly.

Sensor Functionality Statement

Every Progressive Safe System must include a Sensor Functionality Statement provided by the equipment manufacturer.

This document confirms that the installed detection system:

Meets the technical requirements of the Progressive Safe System.
Has been tested in accordance with the required performance standards.
Integrates correctly with other vehicle safety systems.
Does not adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

Products carrying the appropriate approval, such as E-marked equipment, are designed to satisfy these technical requirements.

The completed Sensor Functionality Statement must be uploaded as part of the permit application.

Fitter Statement

Alongside the manufacturer's documentation, a Fitter Statement is also required.

This declaration confirms that:

The Progressive Safe System has been installed correctly.
All sensors are operational.
The installation complies with TfL's Progressive Safe System technical specification.

This statement must be completed by the installer and submitted with the permit application.

Need Help Achieving DVS Compliance?

At TNK Engineering, we supply and support a comprehensive range of TfL-compliant Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and Progressive Safe System (PSS) solutions from trusted manufacturers, including Brigade.

Whether you're upgrading an existing Safe System or fitting a complete Progressive Safe System for the first time, our team can help you choose the correct equipment for your vehicle and ensure it meets the latest TfL requirements.

Our range includes:

Progressive Safe System (PSS) upgrade kits
MOIS front detection systems
AI radar detection systems
Side sensor systems
Camera monitoring systems
Vehicle safety accessories

If you're unsure whether your vehicle requires a Progressive Safe System or need advice on achieving DVS compliance, our experienced team is here to help.