FORS, DVS & HS2
FORS, DVS & HS2
What Is FORS:
FORS or Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme is an accreditation voluntarily applied for by fleet managers and organisation with a number of vehicles. The main aims of the scheme are to improve safety, fuel efficiency and driver training. The scheme is broken down into 3 levels, GOLD , SILVER and BRONZE. In order to apply for FORS SILVER standard additional safety equipment must be fitted to all vehicle above 3.5 tonnes.
This equipment consists of:
- Nearside blind spot camera with in cab monitor.
- Rear blind spot camera (only required for rigid body type vehicles).
- Left turn warning speaker (with night time cut out).
- Nearside vulnerable road user proximity sensors.
- Reverse warning sounder.
- Warning signage.
What is DVS:
DVS or Direct Vision Standard is a road safety initiative introduced by Transport For London as away to reduce accidents between heavy goods vehicles and vulnerable road users. The guidelines apply to lorries over 12 tonnes entering London. Anywhere inside the M25 is affected by the DVS rules, and vehicle operators whose vehicles do not meet the requirements can be fined for each day their vehicles operate within the zone.
This equipment consists of:
- Nearside blind spot camera with in cab monitor.
- Left turn warning speaker (with night time cut out).
- Nearside vulnerable road user proximity sensors.
- Warning signage.
What is HS2:
HS2 or High Speed 2 is the current term given to any construction relating to the High Speed 2 rail network across England. In order to access a HS2 building site all vehicles above 3.5 tonnes must adhere to strict guidelines for safety as well as have additional vehicle safety systems fitted. Without these systems access to all HS2 sites can be denied.
This equipment consists of:
- A full 4 camera recording system capable of storing up to 2 weeks of footage. (only required for vehicles above 7.5 tonnes).
- Nearside blind spot camera with in cab monitor.
- Left turn warning speaker (with night time cut out).
- Nearside vulnerable road user proximity sensors.
- Reverse warning sounder.
- Warning signage.
Regardless of your requirements even if you have no intention of becoming FORS accredited or you are unaffected by DVS in London, we believe there are
no negatives to having safety equipment fitted to your vehicles. The safety benefits, insurance savings and peace of mind granted by our kit means that very few customers ever regret having the technology fitted. More and more we are seeing claims against haulage companies by road users all too quick to point the finger, and time and time again or systems have been used as evidence to protect our customers.
What is FORS?
The Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme or FORS is a voluntary scheme introduced to help vehicle fleet owners measure and monitor, driver performance, vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency. One of the main objectives of the accreditation is to improve vehicle safety. There are 3 stages to the scheme ranging from bronze, silver and gold. As a general rule the minimum standards expected for a FORS compliant vehicle include:
- Nearside blind spot camera with monitor
- reverse warning speaker
- nearside vulnerable road user detection system
- audible left turn warning speaker
- a night time cut out function to prevent the speaker operating at unsociable hours
What is DVS?
The Direct Vision Standard or DVS is a mandatory requirement that is due to be implemented on the 26th of October 2020 for all vehicles over 12 tonnes entering London. The purpose is to issue vehicles with a star rating depending on how much the vehicle driver can see from the cab.
Vehicles which do not meet the minimum standard will require additional technology fitted to increase their star rating. Vehicle which do meet the minimum standard can increase the rating further by inclusion of this technology effectively future proofing their fleet.
Enforcement of DVS will be active from the end of Febuary 2021 which can result in a fine of up to £550.