TfL Ref: FOI-3252-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 11 December 2023, asking for information about the direct vision standard (DVS) scheme.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold / hold some of the information you require. You asked:
I request any information regarding the effectiveness of the previous DVS standard in comparison to the new DVS standard. Any statistical analysis including the reduced accidents from the previous DVS system in comparison to the new requirements and the financial impact on hauliers to be required to install the new DVS system. I need any information regarding the actual factual benefits of the new DVS standard.
Regarding statistics associated with safe system effectiveness, using a baseline of 2017-2019 (averaged), there has been a 49% reduction in the number of vulnerable road users killed by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), and 30% decrease in vulnerable road users seriously injured in collisions with HGVs.
As for the cost to hauliers, in December 2022 we undertook an Independent Impact Assessment of the proposed Progressive Safe System (PSS). The financial impacts can be found on page 48 of that document, at this link: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/21522/widgets/62884/documents/38073. The IIA estimated that the average cost per vehicle of fitting the PSS was around £1,500.
During 2022 we commissioned Loughborough University to undertake research into the existing safe system and outline proposals for the PSS. That report, and the rationale outlining the recommended elements of the PSS can be found at this link: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/21522/widgets/62884/documents/.
The PSS aims to eliminate those collisions where a vehicle is turning left or moving off from rest and collides with a vulnerable road user. These are the most common types of collisions where vision is a contributing element.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
