The first of 600 signs for London’s Safer Lorry Scheme, which is due to begin operating in three months time, have been erected across the Capital.
Under the scheme, which comes into effect on 1 September, all HGVs must have essential safety equipment installed to keep vulnerable road users safe if they are to drive in the Capital. The scheme is being introduced by TfL and London Councils and will be enforced by Metropolitan and City of London police officers and examiners from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Any HGV driver who attempts to enter the Capital without safety mirrors and sideguards on their vehicle will incur a fine, and TfL’s ambition is to have all relevant vehicles upgraded with the safety equipment before the scheme begins.
TfL says the use of sideguards and mirrors, as prescribed by the Safer Lorry Scheme, would have prevented up to 12 deaths or serious injuries over a five year period.
Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: “From September, we want our city to be free of the rogue minority of HGVs, which put road safety at risk.
“As we draw closer to the start of the Safer Lorry Scheme, we are working hard to ensure operators know that enforcement of this scheme is coming soon.”
All very well but who is going to police the new regulations? With the numbers of HGV and other delivery vehicles this is going to be a massive task. Perhaps the Police can recruit about 1000 more officers to help in this matter. Perhaps they can be engaged on the streets in an effort to protect life and property, the emphasis being on protect life.
Bob Craven Lancs…Space is Safe Campaigner
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