CLOCS, FORS, and the Direct Vision Standard: Navigating UK’s Vehicle Safety Regulations

In recent years, the UK has introduced several safety regulations aimed at reducing road incidents involving large commercial vehicles, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians and cyclists are at greater risk. Key among these initiatives are CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Community Safety), FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme), and the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). For fleet operators, understanding and complying with these standards can be challenging, yet they provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing road safety. In this article, we’ll explore each standard, their individual requirements, and how they interrelate to create a safer environment for all road users.

Understanding CLOCS: Construction Logistics and Community Safety

CLOCS was created to address safety risks associated with construction logistics and to protect vulnerable road users. It emphasizes best practices for vehicle equipment, driver training, site safety, and logistics planning, specifically tailored to the construction industry.

• Vehicle Equipment Requirements: CLOCS requires construction vehicles to be equipped with safety features such as proximity sensors, wide-angle mirrors, and high-visibility lighting, which help drivers detect cyclists and pedestrians in blind spots.
• Driver Training: Drivers operating CLOCS-compliant vehicles must undergo training focused on urban driving, emphasizing the importance of understanding and anticipating the movement of vulnerable road users.
• Site and Logistics Management: CLOCS also includes requirements for construction sites and logistics planning, encouraging companies to create safer routes and implement clear site protocols that protect pedestrians and cyclists near active construction zones.

By meeting CLOCS standards, companies reduce the risk of incidents involving construction vehicles and enhance safety for both the public and their workforce.

What is FORS? The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme Explained

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation program aimed at raising standards among commercial vehicle operators. While FORS is not mandatory, it is widely recognized across the UK, particularly in sectors that prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. Many clients and tenders in the construction and logistics industries require or prefer FORS accreditation for contracts.

• Three Levels of Accreditation: FORS offers three levels of accreditation: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level requires companies to meet specific safety, efficiency, and environmental standards.
  • Bronze: The entry-level, focusing on legal compliance and basic safety requirements.
  • Silver: Builds on Bronze, with additional requirements related to safety equipment, emissions, and training.
  • Gold: The highest level, requiring evidence of continued best practices, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
• Key Requirements: FORS emphasizes driver training, efficient route planning, environmental sustainability, and vehicle safety. Companies must demonstrate compliance with a range of criteria, from vehicle maintenance to fuel management and staff development.
• Compatibility with Other Standards: FORS accreditation is often seen as complementary to CLOCS and DVS, as achieving higher levels of FORS accreditation generally means meeting many of the requirements outlined in CLOCS and DVS.

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS): A Focus on Visibility

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Greater London. Unlike CLOCS and FORS, which focus on a broad range of safety practices, DVS is specifically concerned with the visibility that drivers have from their vehicle cabs.

• Star Rating System: DVS assigns vehicles a star rating (from zero to five stars) based on the level of direct vision a driver has from the cab. The higher the rating, the better the visibility.
  • Zero-Star Vehicles: These vehicles are considered the least safe, with limited direct visibility of pedestrians and cyclists from the driver’s seat.
  • Three-Star or Higher: Vehicles with a rating of three stars or more are seen as safer for urban driving, as they offer more visibility and reduced blind spots.
• Safety Permit Requirement: All HGVs over 12 tonnes operating within Greater London must have a DVS safety permit. For vehicles that do not meet the required star rating, additional safety systems—such as sensors, cameras, and audible warnings—must be installed to obtain a permit.
• Focus on Urban Safety: The DVS is part of London’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041. By focusing on direct vision, DVS directly addresses one of the main causes of collisions in urban areas: blind spots in HGVs.

How CLOCS, FORS, and DVS Work Together

While each of these standards has unique requirements and areas of focus, they are complementary in nature and often overlap, particularly in terms of safety equipment and best practices.

• Shared Focus on Safety Equipment: All three standards emphasize the importance of equipping vehicles with visibility-enhancing tools like mirrors, cameras, and sensors. Meeting the safety equipment requirements for CLOCS or FORS often covers the needs for DVS compliance as well, especially if additional sensors and warning systems are in place for lower-rated vehicles.
• Driver Training and Awareness: CLOCS and FORS both stress the importance of driver training and behaviour, encouraging operators to focus on urban driving skills and awareness of vulnerable road users. Although DVS does not directly address training, the enhanced visibility required by DVS improves drivers’ ability to safely navigate congested areas, further reducing risks.
• Operational Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility: While CLOCS and DVS focus primarily on safety, FORS places a strong emphasis on environmental impact and efficiency, pushing companies to adopt sustainable practices. However, all three standards contribute to operational improvements, helping companies optimize logistics, minimize vehicle downtime, and reduce costs associated with accidents or inefficient routing.

The Benefits of Integrating CLOCS, FORS, and DVS Compliance

For companies in the construction and logistics sectors, aligning with these three standards offers a range of advantages:

• Comprehensive Safety Strategy: By integrating CLOCS, FORS, and DVS, businesses create a robust safety framework that protects drivers, employees, and vulnerable road users. This comprehensive approach reduces the likelihood of incidents and aligns with industry best practices.
• Streamlined Compliance: Many requirements of CLOCS, FORS, and DVS overlap, meaning companies can streamline compliance efforts by focusing on safety equipment, driver training, and operational improvements. Meeting these standards together simplifies the process and creates a unified approach to safety.
• Improved Reputation and Competitive Advantage: Compliance with CLOCS, FORS, and DVS demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and regulatory responsibility. This can enhance a company’s reputation, improve client relationships, and create new business opportunities, particularly with clients who prioritize safety standards in their partnerships.

How Dun-Bri Group Can Help Achieve Compliance Across All Standards

Dun-Bri Group is committed to supporting companies in achieving CLOCS, FORS, and DVS compliance. Our extensive product range includes high-quality safety equipment designed to improve visibility, enhance driver awareness, and promote safer logistics practices.

• Visibility and Warning Systems: Our LED lighting, strobe lights, and reflective signage help construction vehicles meet visibility requirements across CLOCS, FORS, and DVS.
• Camera and Sensor Solutions: We provide cameras, blind spot monitors, and proximity sensors that reduce blind spots and improve driver awareness, making compliance with DVS straightforward for lower-rated vehicles.
• Telematics and Fleet Tracking: Our telematics systems enable fleet managers to monitor and optimize routes, promoting efficient operations and supporting FORS’s focus on sustainable practices.

By choosing Dun-Bri Group as a safety partner, companies can streamline their efforts to meet multiple standards and ensure their fleets are equipped to operate safely in all environments.

Conclusion

Navigating CLOCS, FORS, and the Direct Vision Standard may seem complex, but together, they create a cohesive framework for improving road safety in the construction and logistics industries. By adopting best practices across these standards, companies not only protect vulnerable road users but also enhance their reputation, efficiency, and competitive standing. Dun-Bri Group is here to support businesses in achieving compliance across all three standards, providing the equipment, expertise, and guidance needed to create safer, more responsible operations. Contact us today to learn more about our compliance solutions and how we can help you navigate the evolving landscape of UK vehicle safety regulations.