Caroline Pidgeon has welcomed a petition to the Mayor, promoted by the London Cycling Campaign and supported by 13,000 Londoners, asking for measures to make cyclists safer from the risk of collisions with lorries.
The petition calls for:
- A rush hour lorry ban
- The use of direct vision lorries
- Stronger enforcement against any fleet operator who puts profits before lives
Caroline said:
"A united voice by the London Assembly and the huge support for the London Cycling Campaign petition sends out a very clear message that real action is now needed to reduce the casualties and terrible waste of human life taking place on London’s roads."
Questioned by Caroline at Question Time on his plans for action, the Mayor said he would consider a rush hour HGV ban. Commenting on his response, Caroline said:
“It is a harsh fact that 40% of cycle fatalities involving lorries occur between 8am and 9.30 am. Getting lorries off London’s roads at rush hour would obviously be a challenge but the prize of safer roads would be huge.”
“We also need to have a very special focus on addressing the dangers specifically created by construction lorries. Direct vision lorry cabs and other safety standards are essential for lorries operating on London’s roads.”
“The Mayor must now respond very soon to the many recommendations for improved road safety that are now before him.”