Safety for Sutton's cyclists has been given a boost after the council signed up to a drive to make lorries more aware of the dangers they pose.

Sutton Council has signed up to the London Cycling Campaign's Safer Lorries, Safer Cycling pledge by agreeing only to sign contracts with haulage companies that comply with certain conditions.

These include that lorries must be fitted with audio or visual systems to let drivers know when cyclists are in their blind spots and must have external signals to make sure cyclists are aware of planned manoeuvres, alongside other measures.

Councillor Jill Whitehead, lead member for transport, said: "A key part of improving cycle safety is ensuring our fleet and those of our contractors are as safe and cycle-friendly as possible. 

"Consequently we have been working with our fleet team to train our drivers in cycle awareness and incorporate cycle safety features into our vehicles. 

"We also have funding for 2014/15 for Safer Urban Driving and will continue to work both with our fleet and drivers, and with council contractors and other fleet operators in the borough, to improve cycle safety."

 


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