The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed a more intelligent-led approach to HGV enforcement in the capital following today’s (13 Oct) launch of a new London Freight Enforcement Partnership .

Officially launched this morning by London transport commissioner Mike Brown, the new unit aims to use shared-intelligence between the capital’s police forces, DVSA, TfL, traffic commissioners and representatives from the freight industry to weed out non-compliant operators.

Speaking at the event today, Christopher Snelling – FTA head of national and regional policy, said:  “The vast majority of road haulage operators take safety very seriously. The number of HGVs involved in fatal incidents has almost halved in the last 10 years. This is partly due to the investment by the logistics industry in improved vehicles, drivers and operating practices.”

The FTA added that the partnership is a correct priority given the number of HGVs and cyclist incidents in London, and the involvement of seriously non-compliant vehicles in them.

Snelling said:  “Increased enforcement using the intelligent, targeted approach taken in London is the right way to go as it allows us to prevent the small minority of operators who do not seek to follow the rules from using the roads.  To have maximum effect this work needs to be part of a wide-ranging safety programme which encourages safe and legal behaviour by all road users.”