Lives of cyclists and other road users at risk

TfL inaction turning lorries into scapegoats and putting cyclists at risk

A lack of action on the part of Transport for London (TfL) is putting the lives of cyclists and other road users at risk. That is the damning indictment of leading business organisation the Freight Transport Association (FTA) today.

FTA, which has a long track record of working closely with agencies such as the police and local authorities to improve understanding of the rights and responsibilities of cyclists and lorry drivers alike, says that the unnecessary delays in promoting awareness programmes are turning lorries into scapegoats.

Gordon Telling, FTA's Head of Policy in London, said:

“TfL's current inaction is stigmatising lorries in London. Safety is the responsibility of all road users, but, because of their size, it is easy to point the finger at trucks. The blame game is a red herring, because there are two sides to every story. That is why FTA is committed to the better education of cyclists and lorry drivers alike.”

As part of the TfL-led Share the Road group, FTA is developing common actions and branding for road safety projects. However, Gordon Telling is concerned that the group is becoming little more than a talking shop.

He continued:

“The logistics industry has already invested around £70 million to retrofit mirrors, but you cannot put a price on safety. FTA has already done a great deal in encouraging best practice among our members as well as take-up of special Fresnel lenses to improve drivers' ability to see cyclists. All we are asking is for TfL and others to meet us halfway to make the capital's roads safer.”

FTA will be urging its other partners, including the Metropolitan Police and cycling groups, in the Share the Road group to continue to push TfL into action.