London’s world-leading efforts to make lorries safer under the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) have delivered dramatic reductions in deaths and serious injuries.

New data shows casualty numbers have dropped by around half since the scheme began. 

According to figures compiled by Transport for London (TfL), the number of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in collisions with heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has fallen from an average of 71 per year in 2017–2019, to just 35 in 2024.

 Fatalities alone dipped from roughly 17 per year to 11 in that span. 

Looking better

The improvements come six years after DVS was first introduced in 2019, with enforcement beginning in 2021.

Designed to reduce the danger posed by “blind spots” on large HGVs, the scheme rates heavy vehicles on how much the driver can see directly through their cab windows.

Under current rules, any HGV over 12 tonnes entering Greater London must hold a valid safety permit, and if a vehicle doesn’t meet the minimum standard, additional safety equipment must be fitted. 

As of the most recent update, the vast majority of HGVs on London’s roads are compliant.

The standards were strengthened in October 2024 so that all lorries must now meet at least a three-star visibility rating or be fitted with a so-called Progressive Safe System (PSS), which may include cameras, sensors, warning systems and other protections for vulnerable road users. 

Backing up

The industry response to the new data has been largely positive.

Logistics UK, the trade association representing freight operators, welcomed the figures, saying they reflect the impact of coordinated efforts between transport authorities, fleet operators and regulation. 

“Logistics UK and its members have worked hard to implement the DVS standard to increase cab visibility,” said Chris Yarsley, the association’s senior policy manager for Road Freight Regulation. “It is good news to see the material impact it is having.” 

 

The right direction

Proponents of the scheme argue that the new data makes a strong case for broader adoption of DVS-style rules beyond London, given the disproportionate danger HGVs have historically posed in collisions involving walking and cycling.

Before DVS was introduced, HGVs accounted for just 3% of miles driven in the city.

Yet, they were involved in nearly half of the fatal collisions with cyclists and 19% of the fatal collisions with pedestrians.

But while the drop in casualties is welcome, some road-safety campaigners caution that the DVS is not a silver bullet.

They point out that overall road danger depends on many factors, including speed, driver behaviour, street design and enforcement, and fear that progress may plateau if other measures are not also strengthened.

Remaining problems

TfL data published earlier this year noted that although HGV-related casualties have fallen, total road deaths remain a concern.

In 2024, 110 people were killed on London’s roads, and serious injuries remain unacceptably high. 

Nevertheless, for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, the DVS appears to be delivering on one of its core promises: making London’s streets safer by tackling the blind-spot danger posed by large lorries.

As London authorities and freight operators continue implementation, hope remains that the downward trend in casualties will continue.

The standard appears to be a positive and effective step toward the broader ambition of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries under the city’s Vision Zero strategy.