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Phase one of safer lorry scheme launched (2 September 2015)

Date: 02/09/2015
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, Phase one of safer lorry scheme launched

London Mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled further plans to prevent cycle deaths on London’s roads.

The Evening Standard reports that lorries may be banned from making a left turn – and HGVs delivering to building sites may be forced to follow direct routes to help prevent collisions between HGVs and cyclists.

A total of seven out of the eight cyclists killed on London’s roads this year were in collisions with HGVs and good vehicles – and lorries turning left on roads are one of the biggest dangers to cyclists because of a blind spot which prevents lorry drivers from being able to see cyclists on their lefthand side.

From Tuesday (01/09/15), the first phase of the Mayor’s safer lorry scheme came into practice – with all vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more to fit side guards the prevent cyclists from being dragged beneath the vehicles. HGVs must also carry additional mirrors to help drivers see pedestrians and cyclists on their left side.

In the second phase of the scheme, lorries will be fitted with glass doors to reduce the risk of blind spots.

A consultation is due to begin in January 2016.

Mr Johnson said:

“A very disproportionate share of cyclist deaths and serious injuries are caused by lorries – and today’s scheme will undoubtedly save lives.

“But this big step forward is only one element of my work to protect cyclists and pedestrians from lorries.

“I announce that I propose to require further safety modifications to all HGVs in London – including the retro-fitting of bigger side windows to further reduce the driver blind spots that contribute to so many tragic accidents.

“Bigger side windows in the lower panel of the cab door give the driver direct vision of any cyclist who may be alongside them – and can be fitted to most lorries for around £1,000.”

Before the second phase of the scheme is rolled out, all lorries used by Greater London Authority and Crossrail will be fitted with glass doors.

The third stage of the safer lorry scheme will involve the Mayor using planning powers to set delivery routes for HGVs and lorries.

Driver may have to avoid roads heavily used by cyclists – or be forced to use a route which avoids lefthand turns.

Discussions with London boroughs and the construction industry are underway – and developers which breach regulations may have their sites closed down by local councils.

Mr Johnson has promised “vigorous” enforcement action against any “laggards” who do not comply with the requirements of the safer lorry scheme.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Cycle Accident Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise cyclists injured as a result of the negligence of another road user on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Claims for cycle accident injuries have to be made within three years of injury – children can claim compensation for cycle accident injuries up to the age of 21.

In cases where a loved one has lost their life as a result of a cycling accident caused by another party’s negligence, Duncan Lewis offers sympathetic and expert legal advice on how to make a no win no fee fatal injuries claim.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Cycle Accident Claims, for Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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