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Safer Lorry Scheme Introduced In London After Cyclist Deaths

A ban on “unsafe” lorries has come into effect in London in a bid to protect cyclists.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the capital must now be fitted with side guards to help prevent bike-users from being dragged under wheels in the event of a crash.

Statistics released by Transport for London in June revealed that more people than ever are cycling in the capital, with around 23 million journeys made a year. But campaigners say the roads remain unsafe.

Eight cyclists have already died this year in London – with seven of these deaths involving HGVs.

Since 2014, over 400 cyclists have been seriously injured on London roads, while 13 people died last year and 14 died in 2013.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who unveiled the scheme today, said it is a “life-saver.”

“We are ahead of any other part of the UK in closing the legal loopholes that allowed many HGVs to operate without basic safety equipment,” he said.

“I am delighted that, over the 18 months since we announced the safer lorry scheme, the vast majority of operators have got the message and fitted safety equipment to their vehicles in anticipation of the ban.

“We have, from this morning, begun vigorous enforcement action against the laggards. A very disproportionate share of cyclist deaths and serious injuries are caused by lorries, and today’s scheme will undoubtedly save lives.”

The new regulations cover every road in London, with the exception of motorways, and operate 24 hours a day. Those who breach the ban may be fined up to £1,000 and repeat offenders risk losing their operating licence.

However, Natalie Chapman, head of policy for London at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), said 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,” she said. “There are better ways to achieve safer roads for all users.”

(Credit: Flickr/Garry Knight)