Operators urged to avoid fines as London safer lorry rules launch

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has issued a reminder to operators warning them to ensure their vehicles comply with the London Safer Lorry Scheme, which launched at the star tof September – or risk being fined.

The scheme, whose enforcement area is coterminous with the London low emission zone (LEZ), requires the vast majority of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to be fitted with sideguards, Class V and Class VI mirrors. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and those caught breaching the rules will be handed £50 penalties or £1,000 fines at a magistrates’ court. They will also be referred to traffic commissioners for investigation.

Full details, including of exemptions, can be found on the Transport For London website:

The scheme is being enforced jointly by police, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and the Industrial HGV Taskforce.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, said: “FTA is pleased that there are exemptions and concessions for vehicles where this equipment is either not possible or not legal.  However, in principle we believe that this kind of blunt regulatory tool is not the best way to improve cyclist safety.

“We still think that the money and effort invested in this scheme would have been better spent on increased enforcement against the small proportion of lorries that don’t comply with existing regulations.  There are better ways to achieve safer roads for all users.”

FTA added that its UKAS-accredited Vehicle Inspection Service offers compliance checks at operators’ premises to ensure installations of sideguards and mirrors meet the new requirements.