www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 73 SAFETY & SECURITY London’s cyclists and walkers will inevitably be at risk from lorries and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) if new safety plans are rushed through, a top industry expert has warned. Fleet managers could also find themselves hit with large fines after Transport for London (TfL) announced an increase in new safety regulations for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) entering Greater London which will come into effect in 2024. From October 28 2024, all HGVs will be required to meet a three-star safety rating, which is obtained if lorry drivers can see what is directly in front of them from their cab and down the left side of the vehicle. As shown on BBC One’s Morning Live last month, drivers operating HGVs below the three star rating will have blind spots and safety systems that are unable to detect walkers and cyclists on the left side of the truck or when crossing the front of their vehicles. Lorries that fall short of the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS) will need to install new advanced warning systems referred to as the Progressive Safe System (PSS) in order to obtain a permit from TfL. However, some of the equipment will only become available this January 2024, and because of the sophisticated nature of the new technology, installers need special training to properly fit vehicles and ensure their HGVs meet TfL standards. Steve MacDonald founder of the UK’s leading commercial fleet safety specialist SM UK, has already received over 2,430 reservations for the new system after the regulations were announced. He said, “It is obvious that the industry will need more time to fit these progressive safety kits to the thousands of trucks that will need them in order to operate legally within the designated London area. “Many fleet managers will find their vehicles either unable to enter London or being fined by TfL for entering London without the necessary permit. “There is also a grave concern that some fleet managers may well find themselves fitting equipment that is not fit for purpose and may have been fitted by a technician that doesn’t have the required skill level. This will affect the safety of the vehicle and could mean cyclists, walkers and car drivers are at risk.” The DVS and new PSS regulations are major steps in improving pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety. However, to realise their full, effective implementation, industry leaders are urging TfL to push back the compliance deadline to allow operators reasonable time to carry out the technological safety upgrades and driver training. Kent-based Osmonds Transport & Planing Ltd has teamed up with Fleetclear to ensure its sweeper fleet maintains the Gold membership standards as required by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). Gold is the highest level of accreditation and covers a host of additional requirements regarding vehicle safety equipment including the installation of a vehicle camera system to aid blind spot vision, an audible warning system that alerts vulnerable road users of left turns and reversing manoeuvres. Fleetclear has equipped the Osmonds sweeper fleet with its market leading Radar featuring auto-stop; the RXLite camera recording system for a 360° view around the vehicle; the Cyclear detect system with an audible speaker to alert drivers regarding approaching cyclists, and a left turn alarm to warn vulnerable road users. Any new sweepers that are brought onto the fleet will automatically be fitted with the Fleetclear FORS package as part of Osmonds’ standard specification. Osmonds, which was formed in 1990 and became a limited company in 2003, operates road planing machines complemented by tippers, road sweepers and a low loader, primarily in the South East and Hampshire. Hugo Pinto, Office Manager, Osmonds Transport & Planing Ltd commented: “We’ve been working with Fleetclear since 2018 when we became Bronze members with FORS. When we went for Gold we were happy to continue the partnership with Fleetclear for our continued commitment to safety and to fulfil our customers’ ever evolving safety requirements. Fleetclear helps us to make sure that our fleet always meets the highest standards.” Emma Poore, Sales Manager South East, Fleetclear, said: “Osmonds is a great example of a forward thinking and responsible fleet operator which understands the importance of running a safe and efficient fleet. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship.” Vulnerable London Road Users in Danger if HGV Safety Scheme is Not Delayed… Industry Leader Warns Steve MacDonald the founder of SM UK the UK’s leading commercial fleet safety specialist Fleetclear helps Osmonds maintain the Gold standard One of Osmonds’ sweeper fleet fitted with the Fleetclear FORS package TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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