Direct Vision Standard
Are you ready for the changes?
Do you need a Scania vehicle star rating?
You can check if your vehicle has a current star rating with Transport for London (TFL) at tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit. If you need to request a new Scania vehicle star rating you can do that via our dedicated website linked below.
The Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme
The Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Scheme are part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.
The DVS measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This is expressed as a star rating from zero (limited) to five (good) direct vision, indicating the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling.
Direct Vision Standard requirements in London have changed. To improve the safety of all road users, heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes need to have a three-star rating or fit the Progressive Safe System (PSS) to operate in Greater London. This change has been in effect since October 28, 2024.
Current vehicle rating and permit
Below is a table of what will happen to your current permit as of 28th October 2024.
How to comply with new changes
Your vehicles need to comply with the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS) to enter the Greater London area.
The requirements of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) have changed. You need to make sure your vehicle complies with new standards to be able to operate in London, even if your vehicles are based abroad.
Vehicles rated 2-stars and below will be subject to a fine from 28th October if the necessary Progressive Safe System has not been fitted and a new permit has been issued.
Watch our video below
Supplied and fitted solutions
Both solutions below are suitable for All Makes articulated and rigid vehicles. Complete Progressive Safe System DVS kits, Upgrade DVS 2020 to Progressive Safe System 2024 kits or separate parts are available for purchase and fitting at your local Scania branch.
Brigade PSS DVS kit
£2927.00*. Fitted from £3479.00*.
DURITE PSS DVS kit with AI camera
£1072.00*. Fitted from £1759.00*.
What will I need for my Scania?
* LHD trucks should have equipment fitted appropriately to account for the blind spot on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
**GSR II compliant vehicles (i.e has MOIS and BSIS fitted at the point of manufacture where the vehicle complies with UNECE Regulations 151 and 159.) then do not need an additional CMS system to cover the blind spot.
Steps to achieving a DVS permit
Step one: Check your vehicle rating
Vehicles are scored on the visibility the driver has around the vehicle, from poor visibility (0-star) to good visibility (5-star).
You can check if your vehicle has a current star rating with Transport for London (TFL) at tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit.
If you need to request a new Scania vehicle star rating you can do that via our dedicated website linked below.
Step two: Ensure your vehicle complies
If your vehicle scores 2-star or below, you will need to fit a Progressive Safe System to be able to obtain a valid permit and operate in Greater London. This change has been in effect since October 28, 2024.
We have Progressive Safe Solutions available to be fitted to your vehicle in Scania workshops across the country.
Step three: Apply for a permit with TfL
Existing permits granted before 24th June 2024 will expire at midnight on 27th October 2024 for vehicles rated 2-star and below.
You will need to apply online for a new permit at tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-permit after 24th June, once you have a PSS fitted. Some vehicles may be exempt from the DVS safety scheme, you can find the details here: tfl.gov.uk/direct-vision-standard.
Frequently asked questions
It is unlikely that your Safe System fitted for DVS Phase 1 fully meets the requirements DVS Phase 2 as the new side sensors must not react to street furniture and stationary vehicles. You will also need to add a MOIS (Moving Off Information System) to your vehicle.
Yes, you can but you will be applying to a DVS Phase 1 Safety Permit, valid until 27 October 2024. You will need to do another application for DVS Phase 2 before 28 October 2024.
All can be found on the TfL website.
Originally, valid until 25/10/24, now all extended byTfL until the new date of 27/10/24.
R151 and R159 are vehicle type approvals. You can get systems
that meet the requirements of these standard, however, only the vehicle will officially be approved to these standards.
Commercial vehicles weighing over 12 tonnes, specifically Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), have been required to possess a safety permit to operate in London since 2020. However, it is important to note that the requirements for obtaining this permit will undergo changes in October 2024.
Starting from June 2024, applications for these permits can be initiated. In order to facilitate the freight industry in acquiring, installing, and validating new equipment, a limited grace period is in place. This grace period applies exclusively to vehicles that have registered with TfL by October 28, 2024, and can demonstrate that they have taken the necessary steps to arrange for the installation of the Progressive Safety System.
Please be aware that this grace period is available for exceptions only, and operators are advised to reach out to TfL's operations team for further assistance.
This information has been sourced from TfL's Direct Vision Standard: Guidance for Operators brochure, issued in September 2023. Linked below for more information.
Yes, we can supply and fit kits and separate parts for Scania and All Makes articulated and rigid vehicles, including horseboxes.
It is no longer possible to request a grace period if you haven’t already.
If you applied for a grace period before 28th October and this was granted, you have until 23:59 on 4th May 2025 to install the Progressive Safe System and obtain your HGV safety permit via the Transport for London (TfL) website.
Further details can be found on the TfL website below.
Contact us
If you need support with Direct Vision Standard (DVS), fill out the form below to contact our teams.
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*T&Cs apply. All prices exclude VAT unless otherwise stated. Prices may change at any time without notice. Prices are available at participating branches only. The images used in this publication represent the type of product available and may not look exactly like the product purchased. Vehicles may be specified with products other than those shown, please speak to us before purchase. All parts come with 12-month Scania parts warranty, and 24-months fitted parts warranty if supplied and fitted within our UK-wide authorised dealer network. All products and services are subject to availability. For full details visit www.scania.co.uk/business-with-scania