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Cyclists oppose scheme to
Page 10
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allow LGVs to use bus lanes
by Chris Tindatt NORFOLK COUNTY Council is battling a backlash against plans to allow Foulger Transport to use bus lanes in Norwich to boost interest in the company's freight consolidation centre (FCC).
Cyclists' lobby group Norwich Cycling Campaign says it is concerned about LGVs hitting cyclists and is using Transport for London statistics that it claims show LGVs are responsible for more than 50% of cyclist fatalities in the capital.
Chairman Richard Bearman says: "As a concept have no problem with [FCC,s]. The difficulty is the continual erosion of bus lane space by Norfolk County Council. It's not a question of the number of LGVs; it's a question of size and the physical space of the road."
Foulger Transport business development manager Graham Mayes says a trial of the scheme could begin in a couple of months.
He adds: "In terms of the longterm strategy of deliveries into Norwich it can only enhance the offering being made to the market. At the moment, the whole of the centre of Norwich is restricted for commercial vehicles after 10am.
"The window of opportunity is very narrow and we have to make as much use of that as we possibly can."
David Sprunt, the council's transportation co-ordinator, says the trial will last six months. He adds: "We are aware there are some concerns, which is why it's an experimental order. It's just to see how it works in the real world. We will instigate a 'Share with Care' code, which has been agreed with Foulger. Part of this route is 40mph. Irrespective of the speed limit, while in the bus lane these vehicles will only do 30mph.
"If we get feedback that they are abusing this we can take action; we know where those lorries are from. They will also only use it when the road is congested and the operator has agreed to put in special mirrors so they can see cyclists."
• Foulger Thinsport says it has struck a deal with a second retailer in Norwich, clothing brand Lush, to make use of its FCC. However, it adds that a number of other interested retailers have pulled out because economic conditions have forced them into administration.