In a bid to bolster road safety and reduce accidents involving vulnerable road users, Greater Manchester authorities are deliberating the introduction of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). This initiative underscores a proactive approach towards addressing the pressing issue of road safety in the region.
Photo by Steven Roussel on Unsplash
The DVS, pioneered in London, evaluates the visibility a driver has directly from their cab without the use of mirrors or cameras. It primarily focuses on ensuring the safety of cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users who often face risks from large vehicles operating in urban environments. By enhancing a driver’s direct view of their surroundings, the DVS significantly mitigates blind spots and enhances situational awareness, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Greater Manchester, as a bustling metropolitan area with a dense road network, recognizes the importance of prioritizing road safety measures. The potential implementation of the DVS reflects the region’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and fostering a safer environment for all road users.
Key stakeholders, including local authorities, transport unions, and advocacy groups, are actively engaged in discussions to assess the feasibility and implications of adopting a scheme similar to DVS, and are able express their views on an on-line survey accompanying a 50-page strategy document. The survey concludes on the 10th March 2024
One of the primary considerations in the deliberation process is the potential impact on the logistics and transportation industry, which heavily relies on large vehicles for the movement of goods and services.
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “The work that has been done by TfL (Transport for London) to enhance the safety standard for trucks using London’s streets based on the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is certainly the type of good practice that we would wish to learn from.”
“However we need to be mindful of the additional legislation that would need to be in place, the funding required to deliver such schemes and the views of partner organisations before committing to measures such as DVS.”
){kind=link}
