RHA: cycle-safe HGVs could prove too pricey for hauliers
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By Hayley Pink THE ROAD Haulage Association (RHA) has voiced concerns over the cost of retrofitting HGVs to comply with cycle safety proposals. The concerns come after London Councils launched a consultation over plans to mandate that
HGVs of 18-plus tonnes fit mandatory sideguards, as well as Class V and V1 mirrors, as part of their London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) membership. The consultation is asking for views on whether additional safety equipment should become mandatory on all trucks making t deliveries to London's 33 boroughs 2 := as part of the LLCS, which restricts night-time and weekend
g operations in the capital. There are 56,000 permit holders.
London Councils said extending the scheme's remit to cover safety, rather than simply noise pollution, would be a positive step towards reducing the number of cycling fatalities in the city. However, John Howells, RHA director — southern and eastern
region, warned it could mean a significant financial burden for hauliers.
Howells said: "My concern is the cost of retrofitting, especially if you've got vehicles coming to the end of their life and you are looking to replace your fleet.
"Are you going to have to change earlier, which might be a cost you can't afford, or do you go ahead and spend a lot of money on retrofitting equipment on vehicles that won't be used for much longer?"
He added that the scheme's proposals would be creating "a second MoT standard" for roadworthy and legal fleets. Instead, Howells said London Councils should focus on
reviewing whether the LLCS needs an overhaul, or whether it is even necessary with the vehicle technology available. • More details on the proposed safety equipment and how to take part in the consultation, which will close on 28 February, can be found at londoncouncils.gov.uk/ lorrycontrokonsultation