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04 Mar 2015
Are you ready for the TFL Safer Lorry Scheme?
With the TFL Safer Lorries scheme coming into force on September 1st 2015 we run down the list of component parts you may be required to fit to your vehicles.
With the new TFL and Mayor of London Safer Lorry Scheme coming into force on 1st September 2015 lots of hauliers are asking
us the question of, What do I need to put on my vehicle?
We thought we would give you a quick run down of exactly what additional (or in many case non-additional) equipment is needed to make your vehicles fully compliant with the Safer Lorry Scheme.
First of all, what is this all about?
Well, the TFL Safer Lorry Scheme ensures that only lorries with basic safety equipment fitted will be allowed on London's
roads. Under London's scheme, most vehicles that are currently exempt from national legislation for basic safety equipment
will have to be retrofitted. This includes construction vehicles, which are involved in a disproportionate number of
fatal collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians.
Ok, so what do I need to fit to my vehicle?
The most common question we get asked here at Kuda is exactly that. There are many myths flying around that it is a requirement
to have camera and sensor systems that costs thousands of pounds, however this is just not true. Actually the only additional
equipment your vehicle is required to have is;
A Class V and VI mirror to give drivers a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicle. The Class VI Mirror should be fitted to the front of the vehicle. We sell these here at Kuda, you can
purchase one online here.
Type Approved side guards (also known as side rails). These side guards are designed to protect cyclists from being
dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision. We have a full bespoke range of Type Approved Side Guards for all
types of vehicle. We also offer a full fitting service. Please contact our sales team to
discuss your options and get a quote.
You can also browse our range of side guard components here and simply order online.
You can also browse our range of side guard components here and simply order online.
What about all of the sensor systems, alarms and cameras?
All of these items are fantastic for making your vehicles even safer and will certainly help bring down the amount of accidents
involving pedestrians and cyclists. We ourselves sell a full range of Camera, Side warning cyclist detection systems
and alarms. These are mainly for use in climbing the FORS ladder. FORS is the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme it is
an accreditation scheme that aims to improve fleet activity in London and throughout the UK and beyond.
The different levels of FORS have different equipment specifications, this is where all of the cameras and sensors come into
play. To view our full range of FORS products please click here.
When and where will the TFL Safer Lorry Scheme operate?
The scheme will operate across London, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, covering the same area as the Low Emission Zone.
The Scheme, as mentioned above, comes into force on 1st September 2015.
How will it be enforced and what are the possible fines and sanctions?
The Safer Lorry Scheme will be enforced by the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and the Driver and Vehicle
Standards Agency.
Drivers found to be in charge of a non-compliant vehicle may be issued with a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice.
The offence also carries a potential fine of £1000 at Magistrate's court.
The Traffic Commissioner, who has the power to modify or suspend operator licenses, will also be notified of companies operating
vehicles in breach of the scheme.
What vehicles are effected?
Under the new scheme all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes that are currently exempt will now be required to have retrofitted equipment
(detailed above).
I have heard some vehicles are exempt is his true?
In short, yes, this is correct, there is actually a large number of vehicle that are exempt from the scheme. We have taken
the time to list these below for you.
Vehicles exempted from the requirement to fit Class V and VI Mirrors;
The following models of vehicle:
- Iveco Daily;
- All types of compact sweepers (including the Johnston Sweepers 5000 series);
- Mercedes Chassis Cab Vario with two wheel drive and all Sprinter models;
- Mitsubushi Fuso Canter;
- Nissan Cabstar;
- Isuzu N Series (any up to 7500 kg);
- Renault Mascott and Maxity;
- Volkswagen LT and Crafter.
Or - A vehicle not listed above where it is impossible to mount a class V mirror or a class VI mirror in a way that ensures
that the following conditions are fulfilled:
- No part of the mirror is less than 2 m (a tolerance of + 10 cm may be applied) from the ground, regardless of
the adjustment position, when the vehicle is under a load corresponding to its maximum technically permissible
weight;
- The mirror is fully visible from the driving position.
Vehicles exempted from the requirement to fit Side guards.
There are also a large number of vehicles which carry exemption from the fitment of side guards, these all have various different
levels of exemption. You can view the official TFL list of exemptions here - Safer Lorry Scheme Exempt Vehicles Guide.
Still have some questions?
No problem at all, please give one of our team a call or drop us an email via our contact page.
They will be on hand and ready to answer any questions you may have.
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