FTA welcomes new construction logistics standard for cyclist safety

The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the launch today (9 December) of a new single standard for construction vehicles in London, which has been developed to help make London's roads safer for everyone.

The ‘Standard for Construction Logistics' has been developed by the logistics and construction industries, with the support of Transport for London, in order to create a single standard for construction logistics vehicles. 

FTA, along with several of its members, participated in the expert working group that defined the standards and supports the outcome as a series of practical measures that should improve road safety for cyclists without preventing construction projects from operating.

Christopher Snelling, FTA's Head of Urban Logistics Policy, commented:

"This is a major initiative that should improve the construction logistics sector's safety record.  It is a good example of the right way to tackle safety issues.  A specific focus has been identified - tipper lorries used as part of construction logistics are involved in a relatively high proportion of cyclist fatalities.  The measures set out are those shown by industry testing and use to be beneficial to safety, not ones that are just designed to grab headlines. 

"This new standard will raise the safety performance of the whole construction logistics sector to match that of the best performers today.  The development of this standard, and the commitment to it by many major companies, demonstrates how seriously the logistics industry takes cyclist safety and how we are working through intelligent, targeted projects to improve our record and to adjust our operations to the increasing number of cyclists on our roads.

"This standard is only one part of the way forward on improving cyclist safety.  We need to maintain high levels of enforcement against road freight operators who do not comply with the law, and we should look at the use of the remaining safety exemptions for vehicles and what training our drivers receive.  Public authorities need to improve the roads and cycling infrastructure.  There is also a need for cyclists to take up training, make themselves visible and to understand how HGVs manoeuvre so they do not put themselves at unnecessary risk.

"FTA commends the new standard to all its members in, or serving, the construction industry and will be bringing it to their attention."