PRO-REPORT

TOOLBOX TALK – DVSA’s latest enforcement strategy – Window Vision Obstruction

• 16:37 - 6 January 2019

Whilst windscreen obstruction has always been an enforcement strategy for the DVSA I have it on good authority that as of the 1st January 2019 the DVSA are now heavily enforcing the ‘Window Vision Obstruction’ rules that were by all accounts introduced in 2016 (I can find no direct reference) but not enforced until now.

It’s not only direct vision to the front i.e. the windscreen that the DVSA are focusing on, they are also stopping drivers with any obscuration to the side windows of the cabs. A driver was recently stopped and fined £100 due to his interior curtains showing on both sides. 

Drivers are being issued with on the spot fines of £100 for issues such as:

• Interior curtains obscuring the side windows / mirrors
• Stickers obscuring the side windows / mirrors
• Windscreen pelmets in the sweep of the wipers / obscuring class VI mirror
• Dash tables obscuring the view to the front / in the sweep of the wipers
• Windscreen stone guards obscuring the view to the front / in the sweep of the wipers
• Personalised licence plates obscuring the view to the front / in the sweep of the wipers
• Satnavs obscuring the view to the front / in the sweep of the wipers
• Camera monitors obscuring the view to the front / in the sweep of the wipers

The list above is of course non-exhaustive, however many of you will recognise all of the items listed above are potential reasons for an MOT failure and the DVSA’s stance is that a vehicle should be maintained and operated to MOT test standards at all times, not just on the day of the test.

There are also the moral obligations in regards to road safety to consider. I have had many a conversation with operators and drivers regarding the fitting and placement of personalised equipment in vehicle cabs. When asked for my advice my response is always that same… employee relations are really important, but not as important as road safety, the employees safety and the safety of other road users.

A final consideration is for FORS accredited operators and particularly FORS Silver and Gold operators that have camera monitors and sensor alarms retro fitted into their vehicle cabs. Ensure that all equipment fitted is not fitted in such a way that it may be deemed to be obscuring the view of the driver.

I have searched high and low for any DVSA literature that directly deals with this issue without success. No mention of their latest enforcement strategy in the moving on blog. The only references I can find are from the Department for Transport and the Highway Code. The links can be found below..

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/669653/view-to-front-and-windscreen-obscuration.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-maintenance-safety-and-security

I strongly advise all of our members, clients and subscribers to issue a toolbox talk highlighting the DVSA’s latest enforcement strategy to all drivers. In addition transport managers should consider recording a fleet walkaround check to identify if there are any potential issues with window vision obstruction and advise drivers accordingly. A stop by the DVSA will cost the driver £100 but it will also have the potential to have a serious impact on your delivery schedules and customer relations.

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All the best and keep those wheels turning

Barry Hood CMILT