Direct vision and road safety
The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows. This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling, near the vehicle. The Direct Vision Standard and HGV safety permit for HGVs is part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041.
HGV safety permit and requirements
All trucks over 12 tonnes (GVW) entering or operating in Greater London will need to hold a valid HGV safety permit.
How to check the star rating of your vehicle.
Permits for 3, 4 and 5 star rated vehicles will be issued for a period of 10 years. Permits for 1 and 2 star rated vehicles will be issued to expire on 26 October 2024.
Vehicles with a zero star rating can get a permit if fitted with Safe System equipment. Evidence of fitment will be required and a permit will be issued to expire on 26 October 2024.
To check the rating of a new Mercedes-Benz Truck you may be considering purchasing, please speak to us today.
Why Mercedes-Benz Trucks?
Vehicles between 0 and 4 stars, under the Direct Vision Standard, the exceptional visibility of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs with MirrorCam increases safety in urban driving. Depending on the chosen cab, some of these models can obtain a 10 year HGV Safety Permit with no additional modification, to help futureproof your business.
The reason for this exceptional visibility is partly due to the design of our cabs. The drivers sit higher relative to the bottom of the window that contributes to better visibility. In addition, there is MirrorCam, the compact, camera-based replacement for conventional mirrors. MirrorCam on Actros and Arocs improves the forward vision of the driver, due to the absence of the blind spots caused by conventional mirrors.
Several factors have a bearing on how much a driver can see, and therefore the star rating awarded to the vehicle. The most obvious are lower cab heights and narrower cab widths but tyres and spring settings also come into play.
The Econic has earned a five star Direct Vision rating thanks to its deep panoramic windscreen and full-height glazed side door.
Our Mercedes-Benz 2546Ls is the perfect truck for your long distance requirements. To lead the way, you need vehicles that deliver outstanding performance both on the road and in the accounts. The Actros fits the bill here. Because it offers a high standard of comfort. Because its many fuel-saving technical innovations and perfectly coordinated services will assure you of really profitable operations. Because it is a particularly light, safe and effortlessly superior performer. And because its diverse range of equipment and model variants offers a perfectly configured vehicle for virtually every type of use in long-distance haulage.
Some examples of Mercedes-Benz star ratings:
