Transport for London Works to Improve Road Safety
In order to achieve these goals, Transport for London is collaborating with road user groups and vehicle manufacturers, including Volvo Trucks, to improve road safety.
By 2041, Transport for London aims to have zero serious injuries and fatalities on London roads and hopes that 80 percent of trips in London will be made by foot, by cycle, or using public transportation. In order to achieve these goals, Transport for London is collaborating with road user groups and vehicle manufacturers, including Volvo Trucks, to improve road safety.
“We need haulage companies to improve the safety of their fleet,” says Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner at Transport for London.
In addition to improvements like lowering speed limits and redesigning streets, Transport for London is developing the world’s first Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for heavy goods vehicles in London. Under the proposed draft, all heavy goods vehicles heavier than 12 metric tons must demonstrate high levels of direct vision from the cab in order to operate in London as of 2020.
"Direct vision from the cab of a [truck] has been shown to have a substantial impact on reducing danger for people walking and cycling, as blind spots are a key factor in collisions," Norman said.
Volvo Trucks is working with tech companies and research institutes on road safety measures, including the development of a detection system for cyclists. The results of the project will be presented in November, and by 2023 the EU Commission is expected to implement standards for technology that detects vulnerable road users.