Green light for safer driving after EU votes on lorry safety

IOSH’s London Metropolitan branch has welcomed the result of a ballot by the European Parliament to allow mandatory safety requirements for new lorries.

The European Parliament’s Transport Committee voted in favour of proposed changes to the Vehicle Weight & Dimensions Directive on 18 March that would mean lorry cabs can be redesigned to reduce blind spots, thereby improving the direct vision of the driver.

Chair of the branch, Nigel Burgess, said: “Cycling in London should be an enjoyable and efficient way to move around our capital city. Sadly, we have seen cycling-related deaths increase as more and more road users are vying for the same space.”

Mr Burgess, a qualified heavy goods vehicle and a cyclist, added: “The directive is not only good news for cyclists; it is also great news for lorry drivers who have many pressures and distractions to deal with during their working day. 

“Drivers are professionals with their own families and do not deserve to suffer the psychological stress of colliding with a cyclist or pedestrian simply because of poor vehicle design.”

In January, the Mayor of London’s cycling commissioner, Andrew Gilligan, and Olympic gold medalist, Chris Boardman, joined forces with safety campaigners in Brussels to lobby the European Parliament on lorry safety requirements.

The amendments would also enable lorries to be fitted with an energy absorbing crash system at the front of the cab and allow for a more rounded cab design. This would divert vulnerable road users to the side of the vehicle in case of collision.

Lorry makers will have the possibility to improve designs straight away and the European Parliament’s Transport Committee wants these life-saving features to become mandatory for all new lorries by 2022.

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