Effective September 2015, the London Safer Lorries Scheme came into force. This is a joint programme with the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency. The simple focus of the scheme is to reduce the number of cyclist fatalities. Currently 9 out 14 such cyclist fatalities are linked to HGVs being operated in London. The Mayor of London is targeting a 40% reduction of fatalities by 2020.

The scheme operates within the existing current Low Emission Zone in London. The main changes required to a vehicle are upgrades to vehicle mirrors so that the driver gets a better view of cyclists alongside his vehicle but also the introduction of side guards to reduce the change of a cyclist being dragged underneath a vehicle.

So why would this impact a van fleet operator working in London:

• Many legislative rules applied to trucks will eventually be passed down to van fleets.
• By reviewing your existing vehicle specification, especially those operating chassis cabs, you will be adhering to the best practice.
• Any focus on improving driver and third party safety has to be a positive move for everyone