Pressure for a rush hour HGV ban in London has intensified after the London Cycling Campaign handed over a petition calling for the measure at City Hall yesterday (18 November).
The document, containing more than 13,000 signatures, also calls for the use of direct vision cabs throughout the city and stronger enforcement against non-compliant operators in the city.
The End Lorry Danger petition was delivered to London Assembly Members Andrew Boff, Darren Johnson, Caroline Pidgeon and Valerie Shawcross, all of whom are prominent figures in the lorry danger debate.
Liberal Democrat Caroline Pidgeon said “A united voice by the London Assembly and the huge support for the London Cycling Campaign petition sends out a very clear message that real action is now needed to reduce the casualties and terrible waste of human life taking place on London’s roads.”
Valerie Shawcross added: “London should be taking a zero tolerance approach to all road deaths and, as part of that, doing everything we can to reduce the dangers posed to cyclists by lorries and HGVs.”
The move comes after the London Assembly unanimously voted in favour of a series of cycle safety measures, including a rush hour truck ban, earlier this month, a move which was rejected by the FTA.
Christopher Snelling, the trade association’s head of urban logistics, said: “The proposal for a rush-hour lorry ban is not a silver bullet solution. What we are looking for is improved safety for everyone, and there are many elements which should be considered.
"For example while early morning is rush hour for cyclists, the peak time for pedestrians is later - we need to ensure that solutions do not bring unintended consequences. Better awareness, training and behaviour are needed on from all road users to make our roads as safe as they can be.”