Boris: ban trucks and save London's cyclists By Derren Hayes
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LGVS COULD BE banned from entering parts of London during the busiest times of the day in an effort to protect cyclists.
The proposal is one of several measures targeted at the haulage industry included in London mayor Boris Johnson's blueprint for cycling in the capital, which could set a precedent for other cities to follow. The report, published last week, outlines plans by the mayor's office to lobby UK and European policymakers to close loopholes exempting operators from fitting cycle-safety devices, such as sideguards and mirrors on some LGVs; legislation to ensure all CVs used in urban areas give the driver maximum visibility; and for anti-collision technology, such as sensors and side cameras, to be fitted to all new CVs and retrofitted wherever possible. The Freight Transport Association said banning lorries from parts of London during certain times would place a burden on hauliers. Head of urban logistics Christopher Snelling said: "A better starting place would be to remove restrictions on night-time deliveries, to avoid peak hours."
The blueprint also recommends that cyclist awareness training should become a mandatory part of the Driver CPC qualification. Technology, while part of the solution, shouldn't "swamp the driver", it adds.