Lorries Face Ban Over New Cycle Safety Measures

London today becomes the first UK city to ban lorries which do not have equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

All lorries over 3.5 tons in the capital must now be fitted with guards at the side to help prevent cyclists being dragged under wheels in the event of an accident.

They must also have a special type of mirror that helps the driver see those riding bicycles or on foot.

Any that do not have the equipment fitted will receive a fine of up to £1,000.

Drivers or hauliers who offend several times risk losing their operating licence.

Eight cyclists have been killed in road accidents this year, seven of which involved Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

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London Mayor Boris Johnson said that he had been driven to bring in the change after having to meet the relatives of those killed on the roads.

He said: "I have on several occasions met the families of victims, had to try to comfort them, had to try to explain what we're doing.

"It's very, very affecting.

"We are concious that in encouraging cycling we have to make it safer and we think that over the past five years the safer lorry zone would have obviated about 12 deaths or serious injuries."

"Today's scheme will undoubtedly save lives."

Mr Johnson also said he wanted all lorries to be retrofitted with bigger side windows to cut blind spots for drivers.

But he also acknowledged that cyclists had their part to play, adding: "Cyclists need to behave responsibly and they need to alert drivers to their presence.

"Lorry drivers have been responsible for some of the most serious accidents, but very often I'm afraid to say it wasn't necessarily entirely their fault."

The new rules for lorries will operate 24 hours a day and cover every road in the capital except motorways.

Representatives for the haulage industry said the amount being spent on launching the scheme could be better spent on enforcing previous guidelines.

Natalie Chapman, head of policy for London at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), said: "We believe that this kind of blunt regulatory tool is not the best way to improve cyclist safety.

"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."

One cycling campaign group called for lorries to be given "direct vision cabs" with lower seating positions to give drivers a "view of pedestrians and cyclists".