FORS has updated its ‘FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide’ – a useful reference document designed to help operators meet the vehicle safety equipment requirements of the FORS Standard version 5.

Following dialogue with fleet operators and suppliers of proximity sensors, the guide has been updated to say that proximity sensors should operate regardless of whether the direction indicators are activated but may switch off at speeds above 20mph, so not to overload or distract the driver. This is to clarify that proximity sensors that activate with a left-turn signal or turn off at speed are compliant with FORS vehicle safety equipment requirements.

The guide has been further revised following the launch of TfL’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) to remind operators that, starting from 26 October 2020, all HGVs over 12 tonnes will need to meet a minimum ‘one-star’ rating under DVS to be able to operate in London. Vehicles that are either not DVS rated or rated at zero star will need to fit enhanced safety equipment in order to comply with the Safe System measures and obtain a permit.

To access the updated version of the FORS Vehicle safety equipment guide, click here.

To register with FORS, the voluntary accreditation scheme for any company operating commercial vehicles anywhere in the UK or overseas, click here.