The Freight Transport Association has said safety and compliance must come first for all freight operators using UK roads.

FTA has voiced its concern after 15 fixed penalty notices totalling £2,300 were issued to lorry drivers in London on a single day last year.  The report also said around 100 cyclists were stopped after concerns about their behaviour.

The 15 offences (including driving more hours than they are legally permitted to without a break and having vehicles that are not fit for the roads), were issued by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Traffic Command as part of a road safety operation and ongoing efforts to help make all road users safer.

According to MPS, over 70 lorries were stopped and checked on 18 November by officers on Vauxhall Bridge Road, Whitechapel Road and Albert Embankment.  In addition, around 100 cyclists were stopped and given safety advice by officers from the Safer Transport Command, where there were concerns about their behaviour - for instance cutting corners and wearing headphones while riding.

James Hookham, FTA Managing Director Policy and Communications said, “There is no excuse for poor standards in truck and van fleets. It is imperative that all commercial vehicles on our roads are fully maintained and roadworthy, and that all drivers are competent and comply with the rules on breaks and rests.”