Reducing HGV blind spots
World-leading research prompts changes to Europe-wide safety changes to HGV design - enhancing driver field of vision and saving lives
In 2019, almost 4,000 cyclists and pedestrians were seriously injured or killed on Europe’s roads due to accidents involving HGVs.
Only four per cent of the total miles driven in London are completed by HGVs, but research shows that they are disproportionately involved in fatal collisions.
Restrictions in an HGV driver's field of vision have been identified as a significant contributory factor. A HGV driver must use six mirrors and three windows to gain awareness of cyclists and pedestrians in close proximity to the vehicle.
Our research, spanning the past decade, built the case for a Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for HGVs and created the methodologies to underpin its definition.
Our impact
Revised regulations
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 46 – governing aspects of vehicle design
- UN Regulation No. 167 formally published and adopted
London’s new five-star vehicle rating
- Adopted in 2021 as part of the Vision Zero for London agenda
- 2024 – below three-star HGVs will be banned from travel into and around London*
* Unless six safety features are added to the vehicle
New European Standard
- Developed using the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) defined by the Loughborough team
- Adopted by over 29 countries, including every EU member state and Japan
- Applies to new HGV designs from 2026, and all HGVs from 2029
Life saving
- According to an EU impact assessment, more than 550 lives could be saved each year across the EU.
The research
We began by developing an innovative 3D method to explore the blind spots caused by vehicle design features, and analysed accident data to define the areas of greatest risk for vulnerable road users.
To date, we have investigated 57 vehicle designs – more than 98% of trucks on UK roads. Our findings underpin the five-star rating scheme adopted as part of the Vision Zero for London agenda.
Under the scheme, vehicles scoring one to five stars will be deemed safe and issued a permit to drive within the Greater London Boundary. Those scoring zero will need to install Safe System improvements before they can successfully apply for a permit.
Our research findings and recommendations were used to successfully lobby the European Parliament for a change to standards which will be adopted across the EU from 2024.
Project reports and Wiki
- TfL Project: Understanding direct and indirect driver vision in heavy goods vehicles (2015)
- TfL Project: The definition, production and validation of the direct vision standard (DVS) for HGVS (2019)
- UNECE VRU PROXI Group Wiki (2018-present)
With the help of Loughborough, London is leading the way with truck safety. We’re delighted that the European Commission is following our lead – helping to ensure that, across Europe, all HGVs are safer.
Research funders
- Department for Transport
- Transport for London
Development partners
- Department for Transport
- Transport for London
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
