London introduces safer lorry scheme
London on Tuesday became the first UK city to ban lorries which do not have equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Under the new rules, heavy good vehicles (HGV) must be fitted with side guards to prevent cyclists being dragged underneath the vehicle in the event of an accident. They must also fit certain type of mirror to reduce driver blind spots.
If drivers do not implement such measures, they will face a fine of up to £1,000, while repeat offenders will risk losing their operating licences.
The new rules will cover all roads in London, except motorways, and will be operating 24 hours a day.
HGVs without safety equipment to protect cyclists & pedestrians are banned across London from today under UK’s first “Safer Lorry Scheme”
— Transport for London (@TfL) September 1, 2015
London Mayor Boris Johnson hailed the new measures, and commented that “a very disproportionate share” of cyclist deaths were being caused by lorries. He added that this safer lorry scheme would have saved over 12 deaths or serious injuries in the past 5 years.
We have begun vigorous enforcement action against the laggards
"We have, from this morning, begun vigorous enforcement action against the laggards,” he said.
Charlie Lloyd from the London Cycling Campaign also hailed the news, emphasising the importance of the new mirror system but pointing out that more has to be done.
"What we'd like to see is a total re-design of a lorry cab... the driver is brought down to the level of a transit van, he can see everything around him, it solves most of the problems."
Nevertheless, head of policy for London at Freight Transport Associations (FTA) Natalie Chapman said the funds to launch the scheme could be better spent on enforcing previous guidelines.
There are better ways to achieve safer roads for all users
“We still think that the money and effort invested in this scheme would have been better spent on increased enforcement against the small proportion of lorries that don’t comply with existing regulations. There are better ways to achieve safer roads for all users.”
So far, seven of the eight cyclist deaths in London this year had involved HGVs.
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