Reducing fatalities between HGVs and vulnerable road users will be a key theme at this year’s British Safety Council conference taking place on 23 September at Dexter House in London.

Transport for London (TfL) will be talking about the work it has undertaken to prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – as part of an ambition to half the number of people killed or seriously injured on the capital’s roads by 2020.

Glen Davies, freight and fleet programme manager at TfL will explain how the Safer Lorry Scheme, which comes into force on 1 September in London, will prevent HGVs not fitted with safety equipment from entering the capital.

He said: “We know we need safe vehicles on the roads in London and elsewhere. It as much about creating the awareness across the whole supply chain - from those who need the freight to change procurement requirements, to working with vehicle manufacturers, and others. With the new Safer Lorry Scheme, we are aiming to deliver a simple, quick and complete solution across all roads in London.”

At present, HGVs are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians in London. In 2013, HGVs were involved in 9 out of 14 incidents leading to cyclist fatalities in the capital.

The conference - called ‘Health and Safety – What’s Next?’ - will also highlight key health and safety campaigns such as work-related transport, occupational health and young people at work.

The Freight Transport Association last month urged operators to make sure they were ready for the Safer Lorry Scheme.

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