Grafton Merchanting invests £1.2m to safeguard cyclists

Grafton Merchanting GB (GMGB) has spent £1.2m on driver training and fitting safety equipment to its fleet, as part of its commitment to the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (Clocs) certification.

The builders and plumbers' merchant has fitted alround camera system, as well as reversing sensors, to its fleet of 750 vehicles.  It has also introduced daily driver checks to ensure the safety equipment remains in full working order, with a reporting system in place for any maintenance issues.

GMGB is also rolling out specific Driver CPC training to raise its drivers’ awareness of cyclists and pedestrians.

GMGB is believed to be the first builders' merchant to receive the Clocs accreditation, which aims to reduce the percentage of cyclist fatalities involving HGVs on UK roads by ensuring clients manage road risk as partof their supply chain.

The group's businesses include Buildbase, Plumbase, Plumbase Industrial, Electricbase, Hirebase and Jackson Building Centres.

Andrew Ingram, one of GMGB’s transport and fleet managers said: “We’re pleased to be able to demonstrate our commitment to increasing road safety in the UK. CLOCS is a significantly important way for construction companies to build on awareness of vulnerable road users and cyclists.

“Additional safety equipment is without a doubt beneficial to road safety but driver awareness training is equally important too.

"As part of the certification we’re rolling out driver CPC training across the businesses to increase driver awareness of cyclists and vulnerable road users while driving HGVs and fleet vehicles.”

It comes after the launch of the Safer Lorry Scheme in London and calls by mayor Boris Johnson for further safety measures for HGVs in the capital.