Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
TFl London DVS Compliance for Your 12t+ Fleet
Run an HGV over 12 tonnes in most of Greater London and you need a valid HGV Safety Permit. We help you meet the Progressive Safe System requirements, fit the kit anywhere in the UK and guide you through the application.
Progressive Safe System
We fit camera monitoring, Blind Spot Information Systems, Moving Off Information Systems, mirrors, sensors and signage to TfL’s 2024 technical specifications, so your vehicle becomes compliant without changing its star rating.
Nationwide fitting and application support
Our engineers are trained in HGV safety equipment and fit anywhere in the UK, with a free consultation to start, flexible slots and finance options to spread the cost, plus guidance through the permit application.
Cameras that earn their keep every day
The DVS sits on the same connected platform as your tracking, cameras and compliance, the kit you fit for London becomes live views and video evidence you can use every day, not just a box you tick.
Direct Vision Standard
Operating HGVs in London
To operate an HGV over 12 tonnes in most of Greater London, you must have a valid HGV Safety Permit. However, many UK and European fleets face a common challenge: meeting Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements. Many vehicles still have limited visibility from the cab, increasing blind-spot risks for pedestrians and cyclists. There is also confusion around vehicle star ratings, what they mean, how to check them, and what safety equipment is required to stay compliant.
Since 28 October 2024, the Progressive Safe System has replaced the previous scheme. The minimum requirement has increased to a three-star rating, and enforcement is now active. Vehicles rated zero, one, or two stars must have compliant safety equipment fitted before a permit can be granted. For many fleet operators in London, this creates added pressure: understanding each vehicle’s rating, identifying what upgrades are needed, and managing the cost of retrofitting. We are here to support you.
A star rating for what the driver can actually see.
The DVS measures how much a driver can see directly through the cab windows. Every HGV over 12 tonnes is given a star rating from zero to five, set by the manufacturer and based on the original cab design.
Since 28 October 2024, vehicles must be rated three stars or higher to operate in Greater London without additional safety equipment. If your vehicle is rated zero, one or two stars, or has not been rated, you will need a Progressive Safe System (PSS) fitted before you apply for a permit. Aftermarket systems do not change the star rating, but they do make the vehicle compliant.
Star rating, at a glance
★★★★★ 3–5 stars: permit without extra kit
★★☆☆☆ 0–2 stars: PSS required before permit
— Unrated: treated as zero stars, PSS required
Transport for London (TfL) enforces the DVS 24/7 using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Fleets without valid permit face penalties of £550 per vehicle, per day. This can be reduced to £275 if paid within 14 days.
The Safe System became the Progressive Safe System.
The original Safe System was replaced by the Progressive Safe System, with tougher requirements:
The minimum rating rose from one star to three stars.
Permits issued under the older Safe System expired at 23:59 on 27 October 2024.
Vehicles rated zero, one or two stars must now be fitted with the PSS.
Enforcement is active, and vehicles without a valid permit face penalties.
Some vehicles fitted with kit under the 2019 guidance may no longer be compliant. If you had your vehicles done in 2019, it is worth checking now if they are still compliant or if they need the Progressive Safe System update
Progressive Safe System
The Progressive Safe System (PSS) is the set of safety measures required on HGVs rated below three stars, fitted to TfL’s technical specifications:
A camera monitoring system on the nearside to remove the remaining blind spot
Class V and VI mirrors, or camera monitoring replacements
A Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) to detect vulnerable road users along the nearside
A Moving Off Information System (MOIS) to detect people in front of the cab as the vehicle moves off
Side under-run protection, where it is practical to fit
Audible warnings on left turns, or right turns for left-hand drive vehicles
External warning signage
Most of Greater London, broadly within the M25.
The DVS zone covers most of Greater London, including all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, broadly within the boundary of the M25. The M25 itself is not always included; it serves as a general boundary marker. The zone is separate from the LEZ and ULEZ, though the areas overlap.
Everything comes from one place.
We work with fleet operators, vehicle hire companies and transport managers to meet DVS requirements. Our engineers are trained in HGV safety equipment, and we only fit systems that meet TfL’s 2024 Progressive Safe System standards.
Free consultation to start
Consultancy, kit, installation and advice, all from one place.
Nationwide installer network
Fast and flexible fitting, anywhere in the UK.
Finance options
Spread the cost across your fleet.
The DVS sits on the same connected platform as your tracking, cameras and compliance; the cameras you fit for London do more than tick a box. They become live views and video evidence you can use every day.
DVS-compliant kits
Run HGVs over 12 tonnes in Greater London and you need to be DVS compliant to avoid fines and stay legal. We supply and install systems that meet TfL’s requirements, whether you need a basic camera setup, full driver monitoring with recording, or a radar-based system with no cameras. There are options to suit your fleet and your budget.
Installation that protects you
A permit will not protect you from fines if your equipment is fitted poorly, is not working or does not meet specification. We install compliant systems anywhere in the UK, using trained engineers who know exactly where and how to fit the kit. With flexible schedules and bookings, your vehicles will never be off the road for longer than needed.
Not sure if your vehicles are compliant?
Contact us today and we will advise you on how to check your vehicle star ratings, getting the right kit and booking the installs.
