Boroughs, hauliers, cycling organisations, residents and other interested parties are being asked for their views on revising the London Lorry Control Scheme which restricts the movement of HGVs.
Although EU and UK rules require most HGVs to have side guards and close proximity mirrors fitted, construction vehicles are exempted from these requirements.
London Councils, which manages the scheme on behalf of the 33 London local authorities and Transport for London, says requiring the installation of side guards and extra mirrors on all vehicles over 18 tonnes could hep improve road safety for cyclists.
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.”
The consultation runs until 28 February and is available online at londoncouncils.gov.uk.
The results of the consultation will be considered by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee at its meeting on 13 March.
Plans to mandate the use of extra mirrors and side guards are the latest response by the capital’s authorities to the recent spate of accidents which resulted in six deaths.
Last month Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London demonstrated a prototype bike-friendly lorry which TfL boss Sir Peter Hendy said the organisation would consider forcing contractors to use.
The prototype includes a lower cab with larger window which allows drivers to more easily see low level objects in front of them. It also includes a fully glazed passenger-side door which allows the driver to see what’s alongside the vehicle.
