The FORS Standard version 7.1

Requirement

To fit larger vehicles with safety equipment that helps protect vulnerable road users.

Purpose

To minimise the probability and severity of collisions involving vulnerable road users.

Demonstration

FORS Operators shall ensure that HGVs and PCVs designed to carry more than 16 passengers are fitted with blind spot warning signage.

Blind spot warning signage shall be fitted:

• Prominently to the rear of the vehicle
• To visually warn other road users of the near-side close-proximity blind spot hazard
• So as not to cause offence to other road users
• So they are clearly visible to other road users

Blind spot warning signage should not give instruction or direction to other road users.

HGVs shall be fitted with safety equipment designed to reduce the risk of close-proximity collisions involving vulnerable road users.

This includes:

• Side under-run protection to both sides of the vehicle
• Class V and VI close-proximity mirrors

Side under-run protection shall be fitted:

• Unless defined as exempt in the Safer Lorry Scheme Traffic Regulation Order
• Unless the shape and characteristics of the vehicle mean that it meets the requirements for side under-run protection

Class V and Class VI close-proximity mirrors shall be fitted:

• Where they can be mounted with no part of the mirror being two metres from the ground, regardless of the adjustment position
• In such a way that they are appropriately adjusted and fully visible from the driving position

Class V and Class VI close-proximity mirror field of view may be achieved using a camera monitoring system.

Evidence that vehicles are fitted with blind spot signage and safety equipment shall be provided.

Evidence shall include:

• A vehicle safety equipment report and/or a permit scheme record or register
• A selection of photographs of safety equipment fitted
• Invoices from safety equipment suppliers