Comes into force in London

Lorries not equipped with certain safety features are now banned in London as part of the Safer Lorry Scheme, which came into effect on 1 September, in a move to protect cyclists .

To meet new regulations, all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) must 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.

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.”

SMMT Transports News Brief