A new scheme is to launch on 1st September 2015
aimed at making London’s roads safer for all users.
The Safer Lorry Scheme has been devised to ensure that only
lorries which have basic safety equipment will be allowed to use roads in
London.
Under the scheme vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will need to be
fitted with Class V and Class VI mirrors, which will give drivers a better
view. Lorries will also be required to
have side guards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the vehicles
wheels.
The introduction of the scheme is as a result of the Mayor
of London and TfL’s priorities to reduce the number of serious injuries and
deaths on London’s roads. The aim is to
reduce the current numbers by 40% by 2020 and the safety of the most vulnerable
road users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists has taken priority.
New signs are being installed around the boundaries of the
scheme, they depict a lorry marked with 3.5T, written below is Safer HGV
zone. The Safer Lorry Scheme will cover
the same area as the Low Emission Zone which is currently in place.
