Transport for London says its Direct Vision Standard, which mandates greater visibility for HGV drivers, is already boosting road safety.
Introduced in March, the scheme requires owners of HGVs weighing more than 12 tonnes to apply for a free permit that assigns a star rating based on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows.
More than 136,000 permits have been issued to date and TfL says around 70,000 HGVs originally rated 0-star have now had improvements made, thereby boosting protection for people walking, cycling or riding motorbikes.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “By working with the freight industry and taking this bold action we are making our streets safer for the increasing number of Londoners who walk and cycle in our city, and tighter regulations will be introduced in 2024.
“DVS is a key part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero plan, together with lowering speed limits to 20mph and transforming dangerous junctions. City Hall and TfL will continue to take every possible measure to eradicate all deaths and injuries from our roads.”
Christina Calderato, Head of Transport Strategy and Planning for TfL, added: “In just a few months our Direct Vision Standard has helped to dramatically improve the safety of lorries and save lives.
“We want to thank all of the freight operators who have led the way in ensuring they only operate the safest lorries in London and across the UK and we would like to encourage any freight operators who haven’t yet applied for a safety permit to do so.
“The safety permits are just the first step in our aim to ensure that families don’t experience the tragedy of preventable road collisions involving HGVs and we will be strengthening our life-saving Direct Vision Standards in 2024.”
