Safer Lorry Scheme comes into effect in London

As part of its new Safer Lorry Scheme, the UK has introduced new regulations banning all heavy vehicles from London that are not equipped with certain safety features.

The regulation came into effect on 1 September, enforcing all heavy vehicles to be fitted with side guards that prevent cyclists being dragged underneath the vehicle, and special mirrors to give drivers a better view of cyclists and pedestrians in close proximity.

According to local industry resource, Transport News Brief, breaching the ban carries a maximum penalty charge of £1,000 and repeat offenders risk losing their operating licences. The new rules cover all roads in London except motorways.

Mayor Boris Johnson described the new scheme as a “life-saver”.

“We are ahead of any other part of the UK in closing the legal loopholes that allowed many HGVs to operate without basic safety equipment,” he said.

“I am delighted that over the 18 months since we announced the Safer Lorry Scheme, the vast majority of operators have already fitted safety equipment to their vehicles in anticipation of the ban.”

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