Independent testing confirms Durite PSS meets TfL spec
Loughborough University confirms Progressive Safe System meets Transport for London specification
LOUGHBOROUGH University has successfully concluded a series of tests on a new HGV safety system that will soon be required in London. The university carried out extensive tests on Durite’s Progressive Safe System (PSS), the results of which confirm that the system meets the specifications set out by Transport for London (TfL).
John Nobbs of Durite said: ‘PSS providers can self-certify their systems, but HGV operators are understandably cautious about investing in unproven systems ahead of the October deadline. Following requests from our customers and to offer extra peace of mind to fleet operators and drivers, we decided to get the Durite Progressive Safe System (PSS) independently tested.
‘After previously fitting the Durite PSS on the Road Haulage Association (RHA) training truck, we revisited Loughborough University to proceed with the testing. The university was commissioned by TfL to define and test the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) in London. Their research on driver vision also led to Europe-wide safety changes to HGV design. They were, therefore, the clear and obvious choice to test the Durite’s new PSS technology.’
Durite’s investment in third-party testing, says the company, enables fleet managers to choose their PSS with the complete confidence that it complies with TfL’s specifications.
Loughborough University research associate Steve Reed, who oversaw the test programme, said: ‘We placed mats in the BSIS and MOIS areas around the vehicle and passed pedestrians and cyclists through each area and measured the system’s response. We filmed at 60 frames a second to get a very precise understanding of the system’s performance.
‘PSS systems can be self-certified by the manufacturer, but the benefit of using someone like Loughborough to do some independent testing is that it gives a slightly higher bar to that testing, and it gives operators confidence that it meets the PSS specification that TfL set.’
The DVS Progressive Safe System is an enhanced version of the current DVS Safe System already required by TfL. From 28 October 2024, all HGVs over 12 tonnes must have PSS in order to operate within Greater London.
The new standard aims to build on the existing direct vision capabilities by providing drivers with indirect vision, too. The new TfL standard states that DVS must now include nearside and front-facing detection technology, respectively known as blind-spot information system (BSIS) and moving-off information system (MOIS). The new standard also requires the intelligence to know the difference between stationary and moving objects.
With regard to these criteria, Durite point out that operators can feel under pressure to get their equipment kits tested themselves, yet as this is already completed by Durite, transport businesses can save on the time and expense involved.
Moreover, the company says Durite PSS is a comprehensive package that uses AI technology and comes with a two-year warranty. It features a camera monitoring system to eliminate the nearside blind spot, nearside BSIS with active sensors, and active MOIS. It also includes a left-turn speaker and blind-spot warning sign. For full compliance, operators also require Class V and VI mirrors and sideguards.
‘Durite have helped numerous truck operators to comply with PSS and receive their safety permits,’ added John Nobbs. ‘They can trust us and have the reassurance that our system will help them to comply with the updated version of the Direct Vision Standard.’
