A public consultation is being launched on plans for the requirement of lorries in London to fit extra mirrors and side guards to try and reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists.
London Councils is asking boroughs, hauliers, cycling organisations, residents and other interested parties for their views about potentially changing the permission conditions of the London Lorry Control Scheme, to require heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to fit side guards and extra mirrors to help improve cycle safety
The London Lorry Control Scheme is managed by London Councils on behalf of the 33 London local authorities and Transport for London. The scheme works by restricting the movement of HGVs over 18 tonnes in London between 9pm and 7am on weekdays and between 1pm on Saturdays and 7am on Mondays.
During these times lorries are restricted to a limited ‘excluded route network’ unless they have been granted specific permission to use other roads. The London Lorry Control Scheme balances the need of Londoners to get a good night’s sleep with those of the freight industry to make deliveries. There are currently 56,000 permit holders.
EU and UK legislation requires most HGVs to have side guards and close proximity mirrors fitted. However, many vehicle types including construction vehicles, tipper trucks, cement mixers and waste vehicles are exempted from these requirements.
Although the London Lorry Control Scheme only operates overnight and at weekends, if it was used to implement additional safety measures, the impact of this would be far greater as the lorries are used at other times too.
Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said: “The tragic number of cyclist fatalities in London recently has heightened concerns about cycle safety, particularly the risk of collisions with larger vehicles. This proposal to amend the Lorry Control Scheme permit conditions is a positive action London Councils can take forward quickly to help tackle this problem.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and let us have their views on whether they think extra cycle safety measures should be imposed on lorries traveling through London.”
People have until 28 February to respond to the consultation by submitting the online form at www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/lorrycontrolconsultation
The results of the consultation are due to be considered by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee at its meeting on 13 March.