Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) carry an innate risk of severe injury or death and can be attributed to several deadly accidents, particularly with vulnerable road users.
Adhering to developments with evolving safety standards like the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), CLOCS, and FORS is essential for fleet operators to mitigate risks and fulfil legal requirements. In 2024, the Transport for London’s (TfL) Cycle Safety Action Plan revealed that while only 3.5% of vehicle miles travelled in London can be attributed to HGVs, they are involved in 45% of fatal accidents involving cyclists.
Here are the most common HGV compliance issues faced by fleets and how to solve them.
Excessive Driving Hours
Around 20% of serious collisions on motorways and similar roads are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. According to Loughborough University’s research, this figure rises to almost 50% between 2 am and 6 am.
To prevent this, domestic and EU laws regulate driver hours and require them to be recorded using tachographs and driver cards.
However, the rules are long and complicated.
The Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) publication, Rules on Driver Hours and Tachographs: Goods Vehicles in GB and Europe, provides useful information summarising the rules and flowcharts to help fleet managers.
A Unite Survey has revealed over 25% of lorry drivers have fallen asleep whilst driving. Furthermore, a confidential study featuring insights from 4,000 road haulage and HGV drivers led by the union showed that 29% conceded falling asleep at the wheel, with 64.4% attributing this to work fatigue, noting long hours and insufficient rest breaks.
Fleet operators frequently struggle to keep up with rising customer expectations. However, using fleet management software and digital tachographs can ensure compliance while improving efficiency and safeguarding drivers.
By optimising routes around driver hours, tracking safety through GPS data, and automating compliance reporting, fleets can achieve better performance and protection.
Poor Vision
London’s Safer Lorry Scheme was enforced in 2015 to reduce the occurrence of crashes between lorries and road users caused by impaired vision. Lorries must have the following in place to be compliant, or run the risk of being fined £1,000:
- Class VI mirror, also known as a ‘front blind spot mirror’.
- Class V mirror, also known as a ‘side proximity mirror’.
- Side guards fitted to prevent cyclists or pedestrians from being dragged under the axles or wheels.
Additionally, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was introduced. The system uses star ratings varying from 0 to 5 depending on how much an HGV driver can see through their cab windows.
As of 28th October 2024, the minimum DVS star rating is increasing to 3 stars.
Vehicles rated 2 stars or less must be retrofitted with the Progressive Safe System (PSS). Failure to do so will result in a £550 fine. The PSS includes essential features including Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS). These assist drivers in identifying and bypassing road users who may be vulnerable. Operators must make sure systems are compliant and working.
Changing standards and high retrofitting prices have prompted increases in flexible commercial vehicle hire enquiries from businesses that must future-proof their HGV compliance, without incurring upfront costs.
Skipping Emission Checks
According to a DVSA survey, one in 12 HGVs are using emission cheat devices. These are used to disable pollution control systems.
If a tested vehicle is found to have cheated an emission device, a full inspection of the company’s fleet will be conducted.
In using cheat devices, Hauliers aren’t only damaging air and public health. They’re also running the risk of incurring serious damage to their finances and reputation, as well as potentially losing their operator’s licence.
To protect your business and the environment, you must comply with emissions standards.
Failure to Complete Daily Walkaround Checks
Common faults encountered when completing our services suggest there’s an excessive number of drivers who aren’t completing daily vehicle checks.
While this can partly be attributed to the tedious nature of the task, there are other instances when drivers lack sufficient knowledge of how to complete the checks.
Your company’s risk management policy must include vehicle inspection checks.
When drivers are completing checks, they ought to be monitored by management. This needs to be completed at least every six months to ensure they’re fully competent.
Fleet management software streamlines the process, automates daily walkaround checks, and provides reminders or logs to prevent oversights on the part of the manager. This software decreases the likelihood of human error and makes compliance simpler, as drivers can easily see the checks they need to complete.
Ensure Your HGV Fleet Meets Compliance Regulations
With the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) set to change in October 2024 and the increased risk of fines for non-compliance, you must ensure your fleet is prepared.
Download our free guide for tips on how to keep your business fleet compliant, reduce risks, and stay one step ahead of changing regulations.
You may also be interested in our free eBook: which outlines your responsibilities and the associated risks and costs of HGV fleet risk management. Download your free copy below.