The differences between DVS and FORS Silver is a question frequently raised, usually to be followed hot on its heels by: Can I apply for FORS Silver when I have the DVS system fitted?
DVS as defined by TfL requires a camera looking down the blind spot side of the vehicle connected to a monitor and side scan sensors fitted down the length of a rigid or a tractor unit, coupled with a turn left alarm. This stipulation applies to all HGV vehicles over 12 tonnes.
As is the case with DVS, the FORS Silver minimum requires a camera that monitors the near-side vehicle blind spot, monitor, side scan sensors and turn left alarm to be fitted to all HGV vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. In addition, for Rigid HGVs over 7.5 tonnes, a reversing camera and reversing alarm are required as mandatory items to be fitted. The minimum system is defined by FORS as “Shall” which indicates mandatory. They also introduce the term “Should” which states that it is recommended, which applies to a blind spot camera on the front and save digital recording of incidents. A third term “May” relates to emerging technology that may be fitted which would apply to 360˚ camera systems. At RS Connect, if customers are looking to add the recommended additions, we can easily upgrade DVS systems to include additional cameras and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to save digital recordings.
If an operator has fitted the DVS system to their fleet, then they can apply for FORS Silver. But before applying for FORS Silver you must first apply for FORS Bronze. From applying for FORS Bronze to being able to apply for FORS Silver can take a month if the Bronze audit passes without a hitch. It is, therefore, better to take action sooner rather than later. Information about the FORS program can be found at https://uat.fors-online.org.uk/cms/operators/.
Operators who are FORS Silver compliant must apply separately for their TfL DVS permits. Although the vehicle may be DVS compliant with the system regulations as defined by TfL, there is no automatic link. To apply for a permit, you will need to go to https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/dvs-safety-permit-application/