The IHTF received the awaf for setting an example as the first permanent multi-agency team dedicated to targeting offences by the most dangerous commercial vehicles on the road.
The team – formed in October 2013 in response to 53% of cyclist fatalities (2008 and 2013) involving HGVs – has conducted more than 200 roadside operations, stopped over 3,000 vehicles, issued more than 2,000 roadworthiness prohibitions, and seized 51 dangerous vehicles, issuing 25 prosecutions.
The task force is made up of officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), City of London Police and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
They also work alongside the wider MPS Commercial Vehicle Unit – part of the Roads and Transport Policing Command – which investigates collisions with HGVs and cyclists, taking action with the driver and vehicle operator where appropriate.
A recent successful prosecution secured by the IHTF was against David Nowak, a driver for Byron Scaffolding Limited. On 28 October 2014, Nowak was stopped by the task force, which found his tachograph card revealed he hadn't taken sufficient weekly rest. The digital tachograph was not calibrated and he also failed to ensure his driving records were printed.
Nowak was fined £2,000 plus £100 in police costs. Byron Scaffolding was also fined £8,500 plus £85 in police costs.
"We are honoured to accept such a prestigious award for the contribution and dedication the Industrial HGV Task Force has shown in ensuring road safety regulations are met by the construction and waste vehicle industry," says Steve Burton, TfL's director of enforcement and on-street operations.
"This successful prosecution of Bryon Scaffolding in February totals over £11,000 in fines and shows the construction and waste industry that we are committed to removing from our streets non compliant drivers and operators."
"Winning this award is an incredible achievement and I am very proud that the excellent partnership work between the RTPC, TfL, DVSA and CoLP has been recognised in this way," adds chief superintendent Matt Bell, Roads and Transport Policing Command.
"The Industrial HGV Task Force is a tremendous asset in targeting the most dangerous and non-compliant operators and in doing so will mean greater safety on the roads for all road users."
The Worshipful Company of Carmen's Royal Logistic Corps Safety Award is an annual ceremony, honouring outstanding contributions in the field of transport safety, of national or international significance, recognised by the company in the previous year.