Large 'unsafe' lorries banned from London's roads to protect cyclists

Safety fears: cyclists are at risk of being hit by HGVs in London (Picture: Glenn Copus)

GLENN COPUS

6 February 2015

Large lorries travelling without safety equipment are set to be banned from London's roads as part of efforts to protect cyclists.

Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes will be required to have side guards and extra mirrors from September 1 this year under new laws.

Lorry drivers face fines of £1000 if they ignore the regulations, which apply to all roads in Greater London except motorways.

Five out of the 13 cyclists killed on the capital's roads last year were hit by HGVs, provisional figures show.

The initiative is being enforced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, along with Transport for London and the Department for Transport.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said the lives of cyclists and pedestrians would be "much safer" under the new rules.

He said: "We know that a large number of cyclist deaths and serious injuries involve a relatively small number of trucks and lorries that are not fitted with basic safety equipment.

"Such vehicles are not welcome in the capital and the Safer Lorry Scheme will see them effectively banned from our streets.

"The lives of thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will be much safer as a result and I urge all operators of HGVs to get on board and make it a success."

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