Research by Loughborough University has led to the creation of a new European standard for HGV design which will help prevent hundreds of people from being killed or seriously injured each year.

Adopted by over 29 countries, including every EU member state and Japan, the legislation means all new HGV designs have to meet the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) from 2026, and all HGVs from 2029.

The DVS requires significant changes to existing HGV designs that improve the ability of drivers to see cyclists and pedestrians directly, instead of relying on the use of six mirrors. It represents 13 years of work by the University’s Design Ergonomics Research Group into HGV driver vision and will vastly improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

Road safety charities and those directly impacted by HGV collisions with vulnerable road users have praised the research behind the new DVS and believe it will ultimately save lives.

research was carried out to define and test a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for HGVs wanting to travel into and around London. Introduced in 2021, the standard defines minimum direct vision requirements, which if not met, result in six extra safety features being fitted to HGVs.

The EU parliament was lobbied by TfL and the Transport and Environment NGO to include direct vision requirements for HGVs and this led to a team of designers led by Dr Summerskill working with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. This project further developed the London DVS to create an advanced HGV Direct Vision Standard for Europe. The UN standard 167 has now been formally published and adopted.

Speaking about the new standard, Dr Summerskill, said: “For years we have been focussed on highlighting just how poor current HGV driver vision is and the risk it poses to vulnerable road users. Thanks to organisations such as TfL we were able to drive change in London, which has ultimately led to a new European standard.

“It is no exaggeration to say this change will save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians. This series of projects highlights how UK academics have influenced policy around the world.”

One of the early adopters of the new DVS is Volta Trucks. The company, which creates zero-tailpipe emission transport, has worked closely with Loughborough University to ensure its all-electric Volta Zero medium-duty truck provides the best-in-class safety features for drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.

Many road safety charities have been campaigning for years for improved HGV driver vision standards to be introduced.

Speaking about the new DVS, Sonya Hurt, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Trust said: “We know how important direct vision to the front and side of a HGV driver’s cab is when it comes to the safety of vulnerable road users. The dedicated and high-quality research carried out Dr Summerskill and his team will ultimately save lives.”

Geoff Lee’s wife Hilary was killed in a collision with a HGV in 2012 whilst cycling, aged 66. Since then, he has worked with the charity Road Peace to raise awareness of the issue of driver vision.

He said: “We had been together for 45 years, I love Hillary dearly, and I was devastated to lose her. She was knocked down and killed on a sharp bend when a HGV collided with her and she was swept under the vehicle’s back wheels. The driver had not seen her and was unaware of what had happened until a pedestrian waved him down.

“Most HGVs that I see on the road, by their inconsiderate design, threaten vulnerable road users. I believe the new Direct Vision Standard will help change this and help prevent others from having to endure the loss and grief I have.”

Updated on: 11 August 2023