Rogue lorries will be banned from London

A ban on unsafe lorries in London will come into effect from 1 September 2015.

The first of 600 signs for Transport for London's (TfL's) and London Council’s Safer Lorry Scheme, due to start operating in just three months time, have been erected across the capital.

With the September implementation date for the Safer Lorry Scheme rapidly approaching, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) held a conference in London this week focusing on increased levels of enforcement against unsafe lorries to improve road safety. Freight operators, councils and transport officials all discussed how to operate safer and more efficient deliveries.

From 1 September, nearly 600 signs will be in place around London reminding all HGV drivers and operators that they must have essential safety equipment installed to keep vulnerable road users safe if they are to drive in the capital, or they will face fines. Enforcement of the Safer Lorry Scheme will be carried out by Metropolitan and City of London police officers and examiners from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: “From September, we want our city to be free of the rogue minority of HGVs, which put road safety at risk. As we draw closer to the start of the Safer Lorry Scheme, we are working hard to ensure operators know that enforcement of this scheme is coming soon. Improving road safety, and particularly reducing collisions involving freight vehicles, is vital for London and we want all operators to do the right thing and ensure they have the necessary mirrors and sideguards that protect vulnerable road users.”

The Managing Freight in London conference brought together industry representatives, and alongside discussions about the Safer Lorry Scheme, TfL used the conference as an opportunity to highlight the benefits of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety programme (CLOCS) to manage Work Related Road Risk within supply chains.