All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with sideguards, kerb view and front mirrors. The scheme is in operation around the clock, seven days a week, and the enforcement area covers the entire London low emission zone.
Operators found to be in breach of the rules face £50 fixed penalties or £1,000 court fines, and referral to the traffic commissioner.
Transport for London has agreed some exemptions to the scheme – click on the link below for more details.
"FTA is pleased that there are exemptions and concessions for vehicles where this equipment is either not possible or not legal. However, in principle we believe that this kind of blunt regulatory tool is not the best way to improve cyclist safety," says Natalie Chapman, FTA's head of policy for London.
"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."
FTA says it has already received many calls to its member advice centre from operators wanting to ensure their vehicles are compliant and to check which are exempt.
The scheme will be enforced by the police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Industrial HGV Taskforce, a joint venture between the Department for Transport and Transport for London.