Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils have given the go-ahead for a London-wide ban on any lorry (vehicles over 3.5 tonnes) not fitted with safety equipment to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
The scheme will operate across London, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, covering the same area as the Low Emission Zone. It will come into force on 1 September 2015.
Under the scheme, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes that are currently exempt will be required to:
- Be fitted with Class V and Class VI mirrors giving the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicles
- Be fitted with side guards to protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision
If you operate 3.5 tonne lorries in and around London with no sideguard protection you need to act before the 1st September to ensure you are compliant with the scheme.
The scheme will be enforced by the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
- Drivers found to be in charge of a non-compliant vehicle may be issued with a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice
- The offence also carries a potential fine of £1000 at Magistrate's court
- The Traffic Commissioner, who has the power to modify or suspend operator licenses, will also be notified of companies operating vehicles in breach of the scheme
More information about the scheme can be found here.
You can buy all the required sideguard protection from our website as well as find guidance on the fitting requirements on this page.Â