Lorries driving in London could be required to fit extra mirrors and side guards to try and reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists.

During a meeting in December London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee agreed to have a public consultation about changing the conditions of the London Lorry Control Scheme to require heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to fit cycle safety measures such as side guards and extra mirrors.

London Councils is responsible for the London Lorry Control Scheme which works by restricting the movement of HGVs over 18 tonnes in London between 9pm and 7am on weekdays and between 1pm on Saturdays and 7am on Mondays.

During these times, lorries are restricted to a limited ‘excluded route network’ unless they have been granted specific permission to use other roads. The London Lorry Control Scheme balances the need of Londoners to get a good night’s sleep with those of the freight industry to make deliveries. There are currently 56,000 permit holders.

The committee also agreed to consider altering the London Lorry Control Scheme permit conditions to restrict the number of lorries allowed to drive in London during the morning rush hour. 

Chairman of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West said, “There is no valid reason for lorries driving in London not to have basic safety equipment fitted including side guards and extra mirrors. It is important to reduce the risks to cyclists to encourage Londoners to make more journeys by bike.”