City Hall is backing an amendment to an EU directive which would to require new lorries to have improving visibility for drivers and safer cab fronts to reduce the damage caused by impacts with cyclists and pedestrians.
The Mayor’s Cycling Commissioner, Andrew Gilligan, visited Brussels today where he and other backers of the amendment called on MEPs, national governments and the Commission to back the amendment.
MEPs will debate the changes on 11 February in what City Hall describes as a “finely balanced” vote.
The Mayor says he’s concerned that the British Government has signalled its opposition to any mandatory requirements for safer lorries, and descried the amendment as a “once-in-a-decade opportunity” to improve cycle safety.
He said: “If these amendments, supported by dozens of cities across Europe, can succeed, we can save literally hundreds of lives across the EU in years to come. I am deeply concerned at the position of the British Government and urge them to embrace this vital issue.”
