The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has thrown its weight behind the recent EU vote to allow truck manufacturers to exceed current maximum weight and dimensions limits.

IOSH described the vote in favour as “a major step in the right direction to reduce deaths and major injuries on the road”.

Commenting on the vote on 18 March by MEPs in the transport committee of the European Parliament, which saw a range of measures approved to help reduce blind spots, lessen injuries in the event of a collision, and cut vehicle emissions, IOSH London Metropolitan Branch chairman Nigel Burgess said it was “good news for cyclists” and also “great news for lorry drivers”.

“Drivers are professionals with their own families and do not deserve to suffer the psychological stress of colliding with a cyclist or pedestrian simply because of poor vehicle design,” said Burgess, who holds an HGV licence himself and is also a cyclist.

The new proposals will be subject to a full vote in the European Parliament on 15 April.

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