Lorries that don’t comply with new safety rules to protect cyclists will be ‘turned away’ from Crossrail construction sites, Crossrail has said.
We reported earlier this month how Keyline has upgraded 14 of its vehicles (pictured) to meet the new specifications.
The project is backing a campaign for safer delivery lorries after a spate of accidents involving cyclists.
Crossrail’s contractor requirements mandate that all HGVs working on the project are fitted with safety devices including blind spot proximity sensors, side under-run guards and warning alerts for cyclists.
Any trucks not meeting the strict standards are being turned away from the site with contractors liable for any costs incurred.
These measures support the wider work by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and Transport for London, to improve conditions for cyclists on London streets by reducing the dangers represented by HGVs.
Andy Mitchell, Crossrail Programme Director said:
“Crossrail sets high standards for lorries operating on the project and views the safety of all road users, including cyclists, as a significant priority.”
Heres another example of the driver to blame when they are not. I dont have sympathy for 95% of cyclists as any accidents that involve accidents are the fault of cyclists because they are the ones who take risks, cannot wait, take risks, ride dangerously and do not obey the rules of the road. I had to return to driving HGV in central london two years ago. I was involved in many situations where i got face to face with stupid cyclists. You look from one mirror into the other and then back again. In that split second, a cyclist is on your front corner. One of the firms i was driving for even had the verbal” Lorry left turning left” message when the left indicator on. Still the cyclists try to get around you even when the vehicle has already taken the turn.
Cyclists should be made to do a riding test, so they are made aware and stop penalising drivers of cars, trucks and buses.