More blind spot research needed
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A REPORT has called into question the effectiveness of safety mirrors fitted to LGVs as a means of preventing accidents with cyclists.
The Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety report found that even when different types of LGVs were fitted with safety mirrors, there were driver blind spots to the left and in front that could leave them at risk of hitting cyclists.
The report, published by Transport for London (TfL) last week, assessed the cycle safety of a Daf tipper, a Daf mixer and an MAN curtainsider.
All three vehicles were fitted with front projection, side-close proximity, rearview and wide-angle, rearview mirrors.
The findings undermine the argument that simply fitting expensive safety devices to all trucks will solve the problem, said Road Haulage Association head of media relations Kate Gibbs.
"It is not just about a piece of kit — it is showing someone how to use it.
"Education will probably do a lot more good," said Gibbs.
• TfL is to compensate 35 van operators that needlessly bought new vehicles or modified existing ones to meet London Low Emission Zone standards, after it gave out incorrect information.
Local Government Ombudsman Dr Jane Martin found that TfL failed to make adequate checks after realising that some vans it listed as non-compliant did meet the Euro-3 minimum standard.