London Safer Lorry Scheme
Boris Johnson the Mayor of London has given the green light for a ban on lorries not fitted with safety equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Safety Equipment
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will be required to be fitted with Class V and Class VI mirrors to give a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicle. Side guards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision.
Implementation
This scheme will start on September the 1st 2015. There will also be 600 warning signs in place. These signs will say ’Safer HGV Zone’. All foreign vehicles are included in the scheme. All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are affected. Greater London is the only area to use this scheme.
All of the Greater London roads will be covered and the safer lorry scheme will operate 7 days a week 24 hours a day and will be enforced by the police, DVSA and the IHTF. The maximum fine for a breach of the rules is £1000. Drivers found in charge of a vehicle in breach of the rules can be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice. A fine will also effect the operators licence of the companies and will be referred to the relevant Traffic Commissioner who has the power to modify or suspend licences in breach of the scheme.
There will be exemptions click here.
Reduction in Deaths and Serious Injuries
It is believed a 40% reduction in deaths and serious injuries will be achieved by 2020 by implementing this scheme. At the moment HGV vehicles are involved in a disproportionate number of serious injuries and fatalities. After a 6 week consultation by the relevant authorities the go ahead was given. Many large cities around the UK will be watching to see how this scheme improves road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. For more details on this scheme visit Transport for London.
