Former Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Boardman has toned down his call for a ban on LGVs in rush hour in London similar to Paris and Dublin.
Talking about the recent spate of cyclist deaths in the capital on BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Boardman said: "When we have tragedies like this it is too easy to get dragged down into the detail and look at particular actions like the restricting the movements of LGVs. But really we want a clear mission from government to say we want walking and cycling to be our preferred modes of transport.
"At the moment there are a lot of positive noises but the actions aren't following."
When it was put to him that TfL cycling commissioner Andrew Gilligan had said that only two of the this year's 14 cyclist deaths could have been prevented by banning LGVs in rush hour, Boardman responded: "I don't think either of us know the full circumstances of those collisions and he is right to say this will take our eye off the ball. I am a great fan of [London mayor] Boris Johnson and Andrew and if he can get it done he will. He is facing a lot of resistance and he knows these things take time."
Boardman caused controversy last week when he called on Johnson to honour a “promise” the major made to improve cycle safety by restricting the movements of heavy vehicles during peak hours.
Johnson responded by saying there had to be a "much bigger conversation about LGVs" and the dangers they pose when they turn left.
He added that imposing a peak-time ban risked damaging London companies and creating a "serious influx as soon as the ban is over”.
The FTA has dismissed calls for a rush hour ban of LGVs, pointing out that there are many exemptions to the Paris ban – including most construction vehicles.
Christopher Snelling, the FTA's head of urban logistics policy, said: "FTA believes that the idea of banning LGVs from a city like London in peak hours is naive and not commercially viable.
"It would mean massive economic implications for the shops, businesses and residents of the capital. It would also create new safety issues as one lorry is replaced by about eight vans – not to mention the increased congestion and air pollution that would result.”
The Transport Committee announced last week that it would investigate cycling deaths in London.
