New standard requires ‘significant changes’ to existing HGV designs

Research by Loughborough University has led to the creation of a new European standard for HGV design, which it is hoped 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, who says the standard will ‘vastly improve’ the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. 

Dr Steve 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.

“It is no exaggeration to say this change will save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians.”

 

One of the early adopters of the new DVS is Volta Trucks. The company 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.

Ian Collins, chief product officer at Volta Trucks, said: “With the design of the Volta Zero we had the chance to start from a blank sheet of paper. We wanted to produce an electric vehicle, but we also wanted to address the safety issues that we see every day when HGVs are operating in built-up environments.

“In electrifying the vehicle, we were able to use a much more compact power source and free up space at the front of the vehicle. This has enabled us to bring the driver right down into the eye line of vulnerable road users.”

The first project looking at HGV driver vision by Loughborough, funded by the DfT, was in 2010 and involved innovative techniques for modelling HGV blind spots. 

This led to further work, including research to define and test a 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.

This Loughborough project further developed the London DVS to create an advanced standard for Europe. The UN standard 167 has now been formally published and adopted.

Geoff Lee’s wife Hilary was killed in a collision with a HGV in 2012 while cycling, aged 66 years. Since then, he has worked with the charity RoadPeace 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 DVS will help change this and help prevent others from having to endure the loss and grief I have.”

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