Developed with input from cycling and road safety groups, the training programme is designed to increase driver awareness of cyclists and is mandatory for all drivers “working regularly” on the project.
Corssrail says it is also working with contractors to ensure vehicles are fitted with Fresnel lenses and vehicle side scanning equipment which can reduce accident numbers.
In addition, all lorries working on the project are required to travel on designated local traffic routes which have to be approved by the relevant local authority under powers given to then by the Crossrail Act.
Terry Morgan, Crossrail Chairman said: “The safety of all road users is of paramount importance to us. This is why we introduced lorry driver training ahead of intensive station construction in central London beginning later this year.
“Crossrail will maximise the use of the capital’s rivers and railways to transport materials, but there will always remain a need for lorries to access our construction sites.”
Cynthia Barlow, Chair of RoadPeace said: “Road crashes are foreseeable, preventable and avoidable.
“We welcome the work of the Crossrail project in ensuring that drivers and their companies are provided with the training and information they need to operate with vulnerable road users in mind, and establish a comprehensive safety culture throughout the project.”
Crossrail says it will shortly publish details of approved local routes to ensure cyclists can make “informed choices” about the best routes to use.
