Britain is introducing a Safer Lorry Scheme in London which will ban all unsafe HGVs from using any road in London.
From 1 September 2015, drivers of any non-compliant vehicle will be liable for a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice or subject to fine of up to £1,000. The operator may also be referred to the Traffic Commissioner for further investigation as a result of any driver’s conviction.
The scheme will operate across London, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, covering the same area as the London Low Emission Zone.
All roads in London (except motorways) will be covered by the Safer Lorries Scheme, requiring nearly all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to be:
- Fitted with side guards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision;
- Fitted with Class V and Class VI mirrors, giving the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicles to reduce the chance of a collision occurring.