The EU General Safety Regulation (GSR2) was introduced in July 2022, requiring all new vehicles supplied from 07 July 2024 to be equipped with a series of mandatory safety features.
The primary aim of GSR2 is to reduce collisions by providing driver assistance systems to help the EU reach ‘Vision Zero’, it’s long-term goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries on European roads by 2050.
Whilst GSR was introduced in July 2024, it’s only really impacted those Las or contractors that have procured new vehicles in the last 6-9 months. With many LA’s generally procuring new vehicle fleets every 7-10 years, it may not be top of your priority list.
That said, with so many LAs and contractors procuring new food waste collections vehicles to comply with the Simpler Recycling requirements, all of these vehicles will need to comply with GSR2, with the following seven mandatory active safety feature requirements for new HGVs:
- Intelligent speed assistance (ISA) – Actively monitors speed and alerts driver if they are exceeding the speed limit.
- Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) – Proximity sensors to detect road users that enter the critical blind spot and alert the driver.
- Reversing Detection Systems (RDS) – Detection technology such as cameras or sensors to improve visibility at the rear of the vehicle.
- Moving Off Information System (MOIS) - Proximity sensors to detect road users that enter the critical blind spot when the vehicle moves off from a stationary position or travels forward at low speeds and alerts the driver.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Monitors tyre pressure and reports this to the driver in real-time.
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) – Flashing brake lights to alert drivers of an emergency stop.
- Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation (AIIF) – This allows for the installation of a breathalyser, which could be used as an interlock system.
There is one optional active safety feature for the UK Only:
- Driver Drowsiness & Attention Warning (DDAW) – Safety systems to assess the driver’s alertness.
From 2026, Advanced distraction recognition and prevention will be mandatory:
- Distraction Recognition & Detection – Systems capable of recognising the level of driver attention and issuing a warning.
From 2029, The direct vision requirements and event data recorder regulations will also apply.
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) – Essentially a ‘black box’ data recorder.
- Improved direct vision from driver’s position – To improve what drivers can see through their windows aiming to remove blind spots improving visibility of potentially vulnerable road users faster and easier.
The cost for these upgrades is in the region of £10k per vehicle, which means you may need to stretch your Capital expenditure budget that little bit further.
