London is showing that safer trucks save lives. New data released during Road Safety Week confirms that the city’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles is driving a dramatic improvement in safety for vulnerable road users. Since DVS was introduced in 2019, deaths and serious injuries involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in collisions with HGVs have dropped by 50 per cent. The average number of victims has fallen from 71 per year (2017–2019) to just 35 in 2024. Fatalities alone have decreased from 17 to 11 per year.
The core idea behind DVS is simple but powerful: trucks must offer better direct visibility from the cab. Large blind spots around conventional trucks are a significant cause of fatal collisions, particularly with pedestrians and cyclists. To operate in Greater London, all HGVs over 12 tonnes now need a minimum three-star direct vision rating or must be equipped with a Progressive Safe System—technology such as cameras, sensors, warning systems, and improved side guards. These requirements were strengthened in 2023, making London’s lorry safety scheme one of the most ambitious in the world.
The results speak for themselves. Between 2022 and 2024, severe HGV-related casualties dropped by more than one third, compared with just a 4.5 per cent reduction across London’s entire road network. Enforcement plays a significant role: TfL and the Metropolitan Police regularly inspect vehicles to ensure safety systems are fitted, calibrated, and working as intended.
London’s approach is already shaping policy far beyond the capital. The work done with truck manufacturers has influenced upcoming EU vehicle safety standards that now incorporate direct vision requirements. The European Commission estimates that these measures, combined with other safety technologies, could save 25,000 lives by 2038.
The DVS does not stand alone. It is part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero strategy, supported by major programmes including Safer Junctions, extensive 20 mph zones, and the Bus Safety Standard, which adds intelligent speed assistance, blind-spot cameras, and improved interiors to London’s bus fleet. TfL also funds long-term support services for victims of serious road collisions and is investing in public awareness campaigns, such as “Take another look, not a life”, which promote better driver behaviour around cyclists and motorcyclists.
For logistics companies, the message is clear: visibility and vehicle design matter. Operators like FM Conway report that meeting DVS requirements is not just about compliance but about embedding a culture of safety and responsibility. As London continues to refine its standards, the city is demonstrating that well-designed trucks—combined with technology, enforcement, and education—can significantly reduce harm on urban roads.
For cities considering similar measures, London offers a compelling blueprint: better-designed trucks lead to fewer tragedies, safer streets, and a more sustainable relationship between logistics and urban life.
Source: TfL