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London authorities consult on Safer Lorries Scheme

London's proposed Safer Lorries Scheme may see trucks without sideguards and safety mirrors banned, if a consultation launched by the Mayor of London, TfL and London Councils gets the green light.
The proposed ban – aimed at helping to protect cyclists and pedestrians – would operate across London 24 hours a day, seven days a week and could be in place by early next year. It would require all vehicles in London over 3.5 tonnes – which TfL insists are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions with cyclists and pedestrians – to be fitted with the safety equipment. Under national legislation, many HGVs must already be fitted with safety equipment. However, construction lorries, tipper trucks, waste vehicles, cement mixers and some others are currently exempt from using sideguards. HGVs registered before 2000 are also exempt from the requirement to have extended view mirrors fitted. If enacted, the Safer Lorries Scheme will use a combination of powers held by TfL (Transport for London) and London Boroughs, and would cover the same area as the London Low Emission Zone. It would be regulated by on-street enforcement, and TfL says that in the future it could move to CCTV, subject to approval by the DfT (Department for Transport) and London boroughs. "I have long been worried that a large number of cyclist deaths involve a relatively small number of problem lorries, which are not fitted with safety equipment," states London mayor Boris Johnson. "My Safer Lorries Scheme would see those lorries effectively banned from our streets and the lives of thousands of cyclists and pedestrians would be much safer as a result," he adds. "Vehicles that would be affected by this scheme can easily be retrofitted to comply and doing so will save lives," continues Johnson. "Companies such as Sainsbury's and O'Donovan are already leading the way when it comes to cyclist safety and I urge others to follow suit." London's Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy CBE adds: "The proposed Safer Lorries Scheme is a further demonstration of how London is working with the freight industry to drive up safety standards. "Many vehicles in London will already comply with this scheme, but by forcing the dangerous minority to follow suit, we can ensure that everyone is doing what they can to help make our roads as safe as possible." ? Earlier this year, the Construction Logistics and Cyclists Safety (CLOCS) standard was developed by TfL with construction industry partners. It sets best practice for construction vehicles in terms of safety equipment and driver training. Already, more than 40 organisations have signed up as CLOCS Champions – including major construction projects like Crossrail and Thames Tideway Tunnel. ? The consultation closes on 22 September 2014.

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