The Progressive Safe System is required for all zero, one and two star rated vehicles operating in London from 28 October 2024, but TfL are now allowing a grace period, extended from 3 months to 6.
The extension recognises the pressures on installers and fleet operators to comply in time with the London Direct Vision Standard (DVS) the deadline date is now 4th May 2025. This extension provides more time for operators to comply with the necessary safety standards aimed at reducing road risks and enhancing visibility for HGV drivers.
It will give operators more time to adapt their fleet, and give them an extra opportunity to ensure that all the necessary upgrades will be in place, without rushing, although it should be noted that as an operator you are still required to have the upgrade work booked in before 28th October 2024 and confirm with TfL that works will be completed by 4th May 2025.
The Direct Vision Standard is not just a ”nice to have” since it was introduced in 2019, fatal collisions involving HGVs and vulnerable road users where vision was a contributory factor have halved from 12 to 6. However, as part of the Mayor of London’s goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041, TfL have now released an enhancement to the current DVS ‘Safe System’ with the introduction of the ‘Progressive Safe System’ (PSS).
When will the Progressive Safe System be enforced from?
This new PSS will come into force on October the 28th, 2024, but operators will be allowed a 6 month grace period in which to get any work completed, and will apply to all vehicles that have a two-star rating or lower (around 165,000 vehicles, which is 90% of the existing fleet operating in London).
How does the Progressive Safe System differ from the current DVS Safe System?
The enhancements within the PSS involve mandating elements of the Safe System that are currently only recommendations, alongside enforcing improved detection at the front of vehicles and providing clearer performance specifications.
The new PSS (Progressive Safe System) specifications are as follows:
To improve indirect vision, and help drivers see near the vehicle:
- Camera Monitoring Systems (CMS) guidance will be updated to allow use of both systems. This will give the driver a wider field of vision and reduce the cognitive workload.
- CMS fitted on vehicles must eliminate any remaining blind spots. This provides a visual alert of an approaching vulnerable road user and prevents collisions in the blind spot area.
- Sensors must ensure full coverage down the nearside of rigid vehicles to detect vulnerable road users. They must not activate in relation to roadside furniture or stationary vehicles. This aims to prevent left turn collisions. For articulated trailers, sensors must be fitted to the front tractor unit but are recommended for the trailer where possible.
To warn vulnerable road users of intended manoeuvres and minimise the physical impact of hazard:
- Audio warnings must be fitted to all vehicles, including those with left-hand drive to ensure all vehicles have the ability to warn of an intended manoeuvre.
- Warning signage requirements remain unchanged.
- Sideguard requirements remain unchanged.
RC Fleet Supply & Installations Ltd have all your Fleet Requirements. Our PSS AI Camera kit and PSS Radar kit, are TFL Approved systems ensuring what you get fitted is correct and meets the requirements. We can even help with getting your permit, by providing the letter of conformity and the photos.
https://www.rcfleetsupplyinstallations.co.uk/