Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are overrepresented in fatal collisions. HGVs make up less than 4% of the miles driven in London, but were involved in 78% of cyclist fatalities and 20% of pedestrian fatalities in 2015. Transport for London (TfL) is looking to improve HGV safety.
Actions TfL are taking include:
- Improving overall vehicle design to increase driver direct vision.
- Influencing European regulations governing vehicle design.
- Increasing awareness of the levels of direct vision available from different HGVs enabling operators to specify the right vehicle for the job.
- Improving ground conditions at construction and work sites to reduce the need for ‘off-road vehicles’.
- Supporting purchase of quality safety equipment.
- Providing planning and procurement guidance to encourage procurement of safer trucks.
For the definition of direct vision standards for HGVs, take a look at TfL’s Direct Vision Standard for HGVs page. For research on direct and indirect vision from HGVs as well as construction logistics and cycle safety, take a look at the research in TfL’s Publications and Reports page.
Source: TfL